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FOOTPATHS OF THE HOLY
MOUNTAIN
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FROM VATOPEDI TO KARYES
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Distance – 11 km. Journey
time 3½ – 4 hours
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© The Friends of Mount Athos,
2009
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This is an attractive journey,
with some fine views and scenery, for the most part along historic kalderimi or paved mule tracks. The initial section involves a steady
climb through the forest from Vatopedi, near sea level, to the ridge at around 450m. The route then roughly follows
the contour of the mountain, often with views down to the sea, before descending
gradually to Karyes.
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 or 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)
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And then. . . |
0
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Leave Vatopedi
Monastery entrance and turn L along paved road. |
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50 |
At fork
with covered well on L, bear L along walled K (signed Karyes). |
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100 |
Where wall turns L, turn L (signed Karyes). |
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150 |
At crossroads, go forwards up road. |
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100 |
At junction, bear L
along road. Ignore minor tracks
to R.
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70 |
At major junction at
top of small rise, bear R, uphill on road (not L, downhill).
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300 |
As road bears L, fork
R onto FP to Karyes (and Pantokrator).
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970 |
FP emerges at
track. Turn L along track.
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50 |
At T-junction of
track with road, KSO on FP which continues across road.
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1300 |
Turn L onto road and
immediately R off road onto FP.
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160 |
FP emerges at
road. Turn R uphill along road.
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230 |
Fork R off road onto
FP (signed).
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720 |
Ignore path back R
(by small cairn). KSO.
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420 |
Path emerges at
road. Turn R along road.
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50 |
Fork L off road onto
wide track before cement works; fine views down to Pantokrator and the sea soon
appear to L.
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1180 |
Track becomes FP; KSO
on K. (Note:
although it contains good stretches of K, the FP is in parts narrow
and overgrown for approx. 1500 m through this and the following sections. If in doubt bear L to follow the
contours of the hill.)
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210 |
FP turns 90° L at stone
fountain (dry).
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520 |
Pass second fountain
(dry) on R.
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170 |
Cross road; KSO on
level path. Fine view ahead to
Skete of St Andrew, Karyes and Mt Athos appears.
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900 |
Emerge at road: turn
R along it, uphill.
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240 |
At 3-way junction
where main road hairpins R, KSO/L (signed Karyes).
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410 |
At T-junction, turn R
on track signed Karyes (behind).
Track shows evidence of K.
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230 |
Ignore track up R and
KSO.
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170 |
At large ruined
building on R, turn hard L onto concrete track downhill (signed).
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80 |
At cross roads with
large metal cross (on L), turn R onto track signed Karyes.
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160 |
Ignore track L
through gates (to Kellion Pateritsa).
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270 |
Ignore track back L
to kellion; KSO over bridge, ford and past water works (on L).
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440 |
Cross Karyes-Daphni road; KSO on K, signed
Karyes.
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330 |
Ignore FP (K) up R.
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110 |
Arrive at Karyes Main Square.
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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.