FOOTPATHS OF THE HOLY MOUNTAIN

 

FROM PANTOKRATOR

TO SKETE OF PROFITIS ILIAS

 

Distance 1.8 km                  Journey Time  ¾ – 1 hour.

 

 

© The Friends of Mount Athos, 2007

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This is a pleasant short walk up to this large and attractive Skete, visible on the hillside above Pantokrator.  Much of it is along a traditional kaldirimi paved stone path, often in very good condition.  The path is generally well signed with yellow signposts.  The part by the stream needs care as the path here is indistinct and poorly signed.

 

 

Notes:  Be aware that, while the paths themselves do not move, over time it is possible for other details to change (eg, signposts disappear and appear, new roads or tracks appear).  Distances (in metres) have been measured by GPS and thus are horizontal measurements, without allowance for ascents or descents; they are normally accurate to within around 10 metres. 

 

Abbreviations:        L = Left; R = Right; KSO = Keep straight on;

                                    FP = Footpath;  K = Kaldirimi stone path

 

 

Description of Route:

 

Distance    Directions

            0     Leave Pantokrator Monastery by main gate by kiosk and follow zigzag K FP down to harbour.  KSO past well house (on R) and over bridge.

        210     Reach rough crossroads (L to Stavronikita, Straight on to Karyes).  Turn R, signed to Profitis Ilias, along track which follows stream, inland.

        150     After crossing stream, turn L  at junction onto another track which soon arrives at open area: KSO – signed to Profitis Ilias.   The track then becomes a FP which decends to the bed of the stream and follows it upstream, crossing it twice.  Crossings are via stepping stones, but the precise place to cross is not always clear. 

        400     The FP turns L, crosses and leaves the stream.  It becomes a broad shady path of well-preserved K, climbing steadily.

        420     Emerge at road.  KSO to pick up similar FP, signed Profitis Ilias, on the other side.

        415     FP arrives at track.  Turn R along track

          40     Ignore track to L.

          30     Turn L up K track.  Profitis Ilias becomes visible ahead.

          55     Arrive at lower gate of the Skete of Profitis Ilias

 

 

This description has been produced by The Friends of Mount Athos, a charitable organisation which, among other activities, works with monasteries to keep this, and certain other footpaths on the Holy Mountain, open.   Copies of this and similar descriptions are available, free, from the Friends website, www.athosfriends.org and in a number of places on or associated with the Holy Mountain.            

     May 2007