FOOTPATHS OF THE HOLY MOUNTAIN

 

FROM SKETE OF PROFITIS ILIAS

TO PANTOKRATOR

 

Distance 1.8 km                  Journey Time  ½ – ¾  hour.

 

© The Friends of Mount Athos, 2007

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This is a pleasant short walk from this large and attractive Skete down to Pantokrator, visible on the coast below.  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 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           From lower gate of Skete of Profitis Ilias, head down broad kaldirimi path/track.

             55      At T junction with track, turn R.

             30      Ignore track to R.

             40      Turn L, downhill, along kaldirimi FP, signed Pantokrator.

           415      Track meets road. KSO across road, signed Pantokrator.  Next section is mainly shaded kaldirimi that descends to a stream.

           420      Kaldirimi reaches stream.  Cross stream and turn R, downstream. 

                       For next 250 metres, FP follows stream, crossing it twice more.  Crossings are via stepping stones, but the precise place to cross is not always clear.  FP then leaves stream, going uphill to L.  Pantokrator Monastery soon becomes visible.  FP emerges onto open area.  KSO now along track.

           400      Track meets another track at T junction. Turn R along track.

                       (This way leads across a stream that is normally easy to cross.  If it not, then return to this junction and take the alternative direction which also leads to the monastery.)

           150      Arrive at beach, where FP to Stavronikita is straight on and FP to Karyes to R.  Turn L and proceed across bridge and past well house on L to Harbour on R.  Bear L up kaldirimi and zigzag up to reach . . .

           210      entrance of Pantokrator Monastery.

 

 

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