Directions:
The parking coordinates are accessible with 2WD cars as well (we did in a 2WD car). However, you should be careful as there might be some big stones etc. Also watch your clearance!
When you drive from Höfn towards Djúpivogur follow the sign Fjörður on the right hand side. Drive all the way to N 64° 17.918 W 014° 58.800 and turn left. Follow the gravel road until you reach the PP coordinates.
The hike:
The information sign at the start states a duration of 7 h for the hike. We managed to complete the circuit in 5.5 h, but we took pictures, made breaks, enjoyed the landscape and hid geocaches. Therefore total walking time would be around 4 h only. Basically you do Papós - Kastárdalur - Kex - Kirkjusandur - Papós. You hike up Kastárdalur until you reach the height of pass Kex. On the other side you descent to Kirkjusandur. From there you hike back to the start along the coastline where you will face a variety of undergrounds (stones, grass, sand...).
Total Ascent: approx. 430 m
Total Distance: approx. 11.5 km
Please note that the path, especially in Kastárdalur, is not marked. You will have to find your own way, just walk along the small river. From the pass down to Kirkjusandur and from there on back to the start you will find a trail and very few (!) sticks which once have marked the trail. Use the GPS coordinates as given on the sign at the start as "checkpoints". For your convenience I also put them here:
N 64° 16.518 W 014° 58.236 (the end of Kastárdalur)
N 64° 16.174 W 014° 58.142 (pass Kex)
N 64° 15.848 W 014° 58.250 (Kirkjusandur / you should find the path here)
N 64° 15.856 W 014° 56.707 (Bretarústir, here you will find som lost places)
N 64° 17.163 W 014° 54.541 (near Brunnhorn)
All these coordinates are also listed as waypoints in this listing. Of course you can also just follow the 4 traditional caches belonging to this series.
WARNING: Do not underestimate this hike! Especially the descend from Kex to Kirkjusandur is dangerous (very steep scree - Beware of falling stones).
Waterproof hiking boots are also recommended because you might have to cross (small) rivers (depends on the route you choose and seasons). As always in Iceland: Check the weather, take warm clothes, water and some food with you. Please note that GSM coverage is rather weak in this area.
Note: Once you reach the pass Kex and the trail down to Kirkjusandur looks too steep/unsafe for you, you may still walk the same way back to start. However, you would miss a lot :-).
Please use whenever you find it the trail and while I am aware it is impossible not to walk on moss, try to avoid the moss whenever possible in order to protect nature. Thank you!
Map:
