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, 2008

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 kalderimi 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 (e.g. 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 should be taken as an indication, rather than an exact measurement, of distance.

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

FP = Footpath; K = Kalderimi (stone-paved FP or track)

Description of Route:

Walk (m)	And then. . .
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 descends 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.

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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.