Aesthetic tufa and pocket climbing on the concave of a mighty white-red limestone wave.
Vrachokipos is an impressive crag located in the south part of Mt Ymittos, facing towards the southern suburbs of Athens. The place has been a favorite destination of strong Athenian climbers in the early and mid 00s. Today, despite the shift of interest to newer harder crags, Vrachokipos remains quite popular for mid difficulty. The place is an absolute must-visit for anyone climbing above the 6b range, offering aesthetic tufa and pocket climbing on the concave of a mighty white-red limestone wave. Most lines are overhanging and as a result powerful climbing style is predominant. The rock quality is invariably very good. All routes are protected with bolts. A rebolting initiative started in 2012 by D. Papageorgiou is still in progress. The bolting is generally safe, although not always as dense as in other Athens crags.
It is important to keep in mind that Vrachokipos is a bird nesting site and home to different kinds of birds. Climbers should be very careful, especially during spring, to avoid climbing any routes occupied by nesting birds, and to keep a quiet presence around Vrachokipos during this period (mid April – mid June).
Avoid in the summer when there is high risk for fire.
By Private Vehicle: Two routes can be followed, depending on the side of the mountain you approach from (west from Argyroupoli or east from Koropi). Approaching from the side of Koropi, follow Lavriou Avenue till reaching the town of Koropi. A short while after entering the town, turn right after petrol station (BP) on Georgiou K Vasileiou Street (ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ Κ. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΥ) . After 300m the road merges with Fleming Street (ΦΛΕΜΙΝΓΚ). Follow Fleming Street which later changes name to Dimosthenous Street (ΔΗΜΟΣΘΕΝΟΥΣ), for approximately 5,4km. At this point leave the asphalt following a clear dirt road, moving parallel to the obvious north rock face of Profitis Ilias. Continue on the dirt road for another 2,2km and shortly after passing some small buildings and a well to your left, turn left onto another dirt road. From this point the road surface quality slightly degrades. After another 150m there is a crossroad.
Turn right towards Vrachokipos and Lelaki crags. The dirt road moves among low vegetation and shrubs. After approximately 1,2km reach two metallic water tanks and then after 50m a stone cairn marking the start of the footpath. Park your vehicle and get on the footpath.. The footpath heads south and may be a bit vague in the beginning, however red marks and occasional stone cairns exist to show the way. After a while the path descends steeply. Shortly before the end of the descent, follow the path heading straight (southeast) to reach Vrachokipos. Total walking distance: 600m, walking time: 15min, total negative altitude: 120m.
The crag of Vrachokipos was discovered by N. Xanthopoulos and E. Karabela who also established the first routes (“Stramonio”, “Datoura”, “Titanida”, “Evelina”, “Gerakina”, “Agrielia”, “Kapari”) back in 2000. Since then, the crag became popular and several climbers have established new routes. More specifically, in 2004, A. Skevofilakas, K. Roussos, K. Lambadarios, A. Theodoropoulos, C. Tsoutsias and T. Michailidis opened most of today’s existing routes. The latest additions to Vrachokipos were opened by D. Papageorgiou between 2010 and 2016.
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Author(s): Vertical Planet
Date: 2014
ISBN: 9786188111905
Athens Climbing Guidebook describes 33 climbing areas in the city and its immediate surroundings / finest limestone in various positions and in difficulties / from 4a to 9a, with more than 1100 routes.
6a | ★★ Louloukos | ||
6a+ | ★★ Stramonio | ||
6b+ | ★★★ Kapari | ||
6c | ★★★ Gerakina | ||
7a | ★★★ Alkionida | ||
7a+ | ★★★ Titanida | ||
7b | ★★★ Tou Thoma To Magazi |
Exarchos Antonis at Vrahokipos - nesbo.JPG
Vrahokipos - 9BE42DAF-F48B-468C-A649-1F24FE1E2259.jpeg
Exarchos Antonis at Vrahokipos - IMG_1933 (Επεξεργασμένο).PNG
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