Agia Anna - Lavra (Athos)

10

At fork with tap at L, KSO/L, descending on main FP. Note (1): This tap is the last source of fresh water for those aiming to climb Athos summit. There is a well with rain water at Panagia chapel/refuge at 1510m after 3.2Km (well dries out at the end summer). Note (2): Turning R here on the FP, meets the FP starting at WP 9 in a few meters, which leads to Agios Vasilios, Katounakia and Mikra Agia Anna.

11

Ignore FP on R signed to Kerasia cells and Kleftiko (Kerasia’s arsanas) (after 3.5 Km). KSO still on main FP (signed).

12

At fork KSO/L still on main FP (signed). Note: Bearing R here leads to Skiti Kafsokalyvia (Skiti Agias Triados) (after 3.6Km) and Agios Nilos cells (after 5.7Km) (signed).

13

Ignore minor FP to L. KSO.

14

Ignore FP to the R, which leads to Kerasia cells (signed). KSO (signed).

15

15A

Ignore closed (fenced-off) path coming up from the R, with red wooden cross fixed to a tree at the fork. KSO still on main FP (signed Lavra). FP passes through scree after 600m.

16

Water trough on L (may be dry).

17

Arrive at “rest area” with table and benches on L, fenced water tank on R and running water crossing the FP. KSO.

18

Arrive at junction with bench. Several trees contain (accurate) direction signs. Ignore FP to R that leads, sharp L downwards,to Agios Nilos cells (after 1.7Km) and Skiti Kafsokalivia (Skiti Agias Triados) (after 3.8Km). KSO/ L (signed). FP becomes rocky and descends steeply.

19

FP crosses stream bed over fine small stone bridge and continues on the other side of the valley.

02

At bell tower ascend steps and KSO on ascending concrete FP with steps. Continue uphill between the buildings (cells) of the Skiti. Note: Turning L on the FP leads to Nea Skiti and Ag. Pavlou (signed). Turning R on the FP leads to Arsanas Agia Anna (after 1.4Km), Mikra Agia Anna (after 1.3Km), Katounakia (after 1.9Km), Karoulia (approximately after 3Km) and AgiosVasilios (after 4Km).

20

Bench on R and a water pipe and tap on L. The path continues descending steeply.

21

Ignore FP coming up from back R from Agios Petros cells (after 500m). KSO.

22

Ignore FP coming up from back R from Megali Sara (‘big scree’ in Greek), Agios Nilos cells and Skiti Kafsokalyvia. KSO, round to the L. Pass through gate, ruined building on L and wooden cross on R at large rocky outcrop. This is Chairi Pass (altitude 500m). Magnificent views of Skiti Timiou Prodromou, Megisti Lavra and SE corner of Athonite peninsula.

23

At fork: For Megisti Lavra Monastery: Bear L onto upper FP (signed). FP starts to descend. For Skiti Timiou Prodromou: Turn R on FP (signed) which descends steadily zigzagging in places.

24

At junction with FP coming from back R, KSO/L (signed). Note: Turning hard R on the FP leads in 50m to a nice fountain with water trough and thence to Skiti Timiou Prodromou mainly on tracks (signed).

25

K has collapsed. Follow ‘improvised’ pathway through undergrowth. Rejoin K and continue, descending.

26

FP descends to concrete road (signed opposite direction). Turn L onto road (ignoring the old route which continues above the road to L).

27

Just after concrete ends, turn R onto FP (signed).

28

Ignore FP to the L (signed to cave of Koukouzelis, the famous chanter) and KSO.

29

KSO on FP (K) having Megisti Lavra Monastery in plain view ahead, ignoring track to R before gardens on R (signed opposite direction). Pass gardens, on R (towards the sea), and the ossuary and the police station on L to reach Monastery wall.

03

30

After following Monastery wall, arrive at the entrance of Megisti Lavra Monastery.