The “West ridge” (IV+, 1200m) was established in 1966.
This is a long and low-difficulty alpine route, which dominates the western face of Mount Athos and usually requires at least one overnight stay on the crag when repeating it.
Access to the route starts from the Monastery of Agios Pavlos, following a dirt road that leads to the base of the route after 5Km.
The route ends at the summit, where the church of the Transfiguration of the Savior is located. The return is by descending to the Skete of Agia Anna (5h hike).
Necessary gear for climbing are one rope, a set of nuts and slings.
The first winter climb of the route was made on 17/2/1998 by A. Karkatselis - A. Exakoidis - A. Tsilogeorgis - K. Bakratsas. The attempt, which was only the fourth repetition of the line since it was established, required two bivouacs, one at the base and one at an altitude of 1600m.
The Monastery of Agios Pavlos and in the background (on the right) the west side of the mountain with the western ridge in its center.