Note: All distances given (in metres) should be taken as approximate. The route described is liable to unpredictable change: for example, forestry work, road or track construction and plant growth may alter the route, or its appearance. Signposts may disappear or new ones appear. The Friends of Mount Athos strives to keep this description correct and up to date but cannot take responsibility for its accuracy.
| Abbreviations: |
L = Left; R = Right; KSO = Keep straight on;
FP = Footpath; K = Kalderimi (stone-paved FP or mule track) |
| Walk (m) | And then . . . |
|---|---|
| 0 | Take the direction indicated by the prominent signpost just outside the main entrance of Zographou Monastery, following very good K path which descends steeply with the monastery walls on the L. |
| 280 | At fork KSO descending (ignore K on the L going to arsanas). FP crosses river on stone bridge.. |
| 170 | After passing shrine on L, FP arrives at main road. Take the direction indicated by the prominent signpost: cross road and continue on further side on FP (signed Hilandar, Esphigmenou and Hermitage of Kosmas) and onto a fine stone bridge to cross river. Ignore FP to L beyond bridge. |
| 1000 | FP joins from R beside a cross on a pedestal (this path goes to the Hermitage of Kosmas). KSO, crossing three river-beds. |
| 1850 | Reach open glade and KSO/R (signed Hilandar) ignoring track coming from back L. FP ascends through woodland. |
| 170 | Ignore FP to L. Note: This path goes to the main road between Hilandar and its arsenas. A 250m deviation along this path leads to a fountain with running water. Ignore small path to R beside stone obelisk (frontier marker between Hilandar and Zographou) on top of small bank. KSO. |
| 900 | FP emerges from forest on top of a bank above the main road (below R)
between Hilandar and its arsanas.
Follow the FP along the top of the bank for 70m until opposite a road
junction. Climb down bank to main road and cross it to take the forest
road ahead on the further side. Caution: Do not turn R along the main road, signed to Hilandar. As well as being less pleasant, the road route is significantly further. Route crosses exposed area, with views to L and R over forest and hills to the sea, before descending. |
| 750 | Bear R at junction of roads at large flat open grassed area with large black plastic water tank. |
| 800 | At junction with forest road on R, turn L. Note: Turning R at this point, downhill along the forest road, leads after 450m to Holy Trinity chapel. |
| 210 | FP leaves forest road to R. Turn R onto FP (signed Hilandar) which winds down through forest, in places steeply and sometimes in a gully. Ignore tracks to L and R. |
| 1500 | Emerge from woods – Hilandar Monastery is directly ahead. Pass shrine on R, cross a little stone bridge and KSO with Monastery walls on the L. |
| 120 | Ignore track to L. |
| 100 | Arrive at the main entrance of Hilandar Monastery |