FOOTPATHS OF THE HOLY MOUNTAIN
	FROM VATOPEDI TO ZOGRAPHOU VIA CHERA
	Distance: 6.4 Km Journey Time: 2¾ hours
© The Friends of Mount Athos, 2008

Passing initially through the olive groves of Vatopedi, this walk goes deep into the heart of the Athos woods, far from any sign of human habitation. The ascent, mainly via narrow paths through the woods, leads to Chera, an important junction of four paths. After Chera, the walk follows wide forest tracks before a steep descent by kalderimi to Zographou.

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)	And then. . .
0	On leaving the gate of Vatopedi Monastery turn R.
40	After passing kiosk on L, go straight down paved path with old olive trees. (R fork goes down to arsanas and the sea. If this route is preferred, leave the arsanas with the sea on the R to join the route below in 120 m.)
110	On reaching the shore, turn L along track beside sea.
220	Track crosses stream.
30	Follow the track when it turns L, inland.
210	Turn R where track comes off to R, and immediately take FP up.
290	Continue up FP (signed on trees).
110	KSO with man-made reservoir on L, past old olive trees with stone terracing.
920	Cross track and KSO. FP initially continues parallel to track.
170	Cross track again and KSO, uphill. FP is steep and rocky, K in parts.
2050	Path flattens out and enters woodland to arrive at Chera (‘The Hand’) – a brownstone monument with directions. Follow sign to Zographou: straight on/L. Approximate time to this point: 1½ hours.
100	FP meets track. Turn L along track.
560	At junction with a more defined track, turn R.
10	KSO, ignoring track to R.
380	Turn R onto FP. (Alternatively, remain on track which FP rejoins at next direction point).
770	Rejoin track at bend. Turn R and KSO down track. (Ignore minor track sharp R and back).
420	Arrive at entrance to Zographou Monastery.

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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.