The way to the Orfalch Echor, the narrow gorge that led through the Encircling Mountains to Gondolin, was barred by the Wooden Gate. From that the pathway led steeply upwards for half a league (about 1.7 miles, or about 2.8 kilometres) until it reached the Second Gate of Gondolin, called the Stone Gate. The Gate consisted of a wall across the ravine, in which was an archway blocked by a single huge piece of dark polished stone. Despite its solid appearance, this great slab would open at a single touch. On either side of the Gate of Stone stood towers, each manned by a guard of Elves dressed in grey cloaks.