What's the story here?

Hurst Road is located outside and along the approaches to Keyhaven, near the ruins of an old pier set into the beach at the foot of Hurst lighthouse. It is an open roadstead positioned just inside the entrance to the western Solent.




The anchorage is a practical and often overlooked spot to anchor and await a sufficient rise in the tide to access Keyhaven. Similarly, it is a good location to await a favourable tide to exit the Western Solent.

How to get in?

Those approaching the Solent from the west should use Western Approaches to the Solent for appropriate navigational guidance.




Beware of the Trap when passing close to Hurst Point, which is very much in the path of vessels swinging in for anchorage. It is a small spit of sand and gravel formed at the southern extremity of Hurst Point by a strong eddy tide on the ebb. The Trap varies considerably in height and extent, but it is possible to ground on it and, at the very least, it causes rougher water immediately south of Hurst Castle. Beyond the Trap, keep an eye on the sounder, as the deep waters of the Solent shoal quickly once Hurst Light is passed abeam.




Vessels approaching from within the Solent, from the east, should not allow Hurst Point light to bear less than 230° T. This is to avoid the Pennington Marsh shallows, which extend their shallow waters out into Pennington Spit that extends ¾ of a mile from the shore between the entrance to Lymington and Hurst Point.




The initial fix is set for eastern approaching vessels at the seasonal yellow race mark (March - November), moored in 5 metres of water, LAT off the Pennington Spit.




From there, steer towards the tower, keeping an eye towards the sounder as a finger with depths of 1.6 -1.7 LAT will be crossed on the final approaches before the deeper water channel will be found off the beach. Be careful when operating close to the shoreline because it shelves abruptly off the beach.



Anchor about 100 metres off the beach in sand and gravel with the lighthouse bearing approximately southward. Depths of 2 to 4 metres are available here, but sound around as the sands in this area alter according to the nature of the winter storms.



Shallow-draft vessels can anchor further north and close southwest of the alignment track for the approach to Keyhaven, particularly during neap tides. Land by tender on the shale beach.

Why visit here?

Hurst Point derives its name from the Old English word "hyrst," which signified a wooded hill, grove, or occasionally a sandbank or hillock. This term was frequently used across southern England to describe prominent landscape features—often an elevated area, sometimes wooded, standing out from flat or marshy surroundings. For Hurst Point, the name likely refers to the spit's distinct prominence as a landform projecting into the sea at the western end of the Solent, highlighting its elevation and clear separation from the surrounding low-lying marshes.




The Hurst Spit was largely uninhabited and undeveloped before Hurst Castle was constructed (1541–1544). The decision to build a major artillery fort at this remote location fundamentally changed the character and use of the spit and its immediate surroundings.




While the historic Hurst Castle stands as the most prominent landmark, the Hurst Point Lighthouse, operational since 1867, is equally significant to the anchorage. The lighthouse's story began in 1786 with the construction of the first lighthouse, Hurst Tower. It displayed a fixed white light and was intended to complement the lights at St Catherine's Down and The Needles. However, its visibility was limited from certain angles, which led to the addition of a "High Light" in 1812. Both towers then functioned as leading lights, guiding vessels through the challenging Needles Channel. The mid-19th century expansion of Hurst Castle in the 1860s necessitated new lighting arrangements. A new "Low Light" was built in 1865, followed by the existing "High Light" (the main lighthouse that we see today) in 1867. The Low Light was decommissioned in 1997 after a high-intensity sector light was installed in the main lighthouse.




Adjacent to the lighthouse on the beach are the visible skeletal remains of an old pier. This pier was crucial for supplying Hurst Castle and supporting its isolated garrison, particularly in transporting heavy provisions, artillery, and personnel. Indeed, for centuries, the pier served as the primary logistical artery to the castle.




During periods of heightened military activity, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries, the pier underwent further development to accommodate increased traffic and heavier loads, including ammunition and construction materials for castle expansions. In the 1880s, a narrow-gauge railway was constructed from the pier to the castle, further integrating it into the site's logistical network and streamlining the transport of supplies. As military requirements evolved and the castle's strategic importance waned, the pier fell into disrepair. Nevertheless, its remains are still visible today, standing as a tangible testament to the site's rich historical significance.




The lighthouse welcomes visitors, and within the adjacent Hurst Castle, referenced in the Keyhaven entry, a small museum managed by the Association of Lighthouse Keepers showcases fascinating lighthouse artefacts and history.




From a boating point of view, Hurst Roads is a useful anchorage that is frequently overlooked. It is an open roadstead where yachts can sometimes turn sideways and roll; however, apart from that, it is an excellent berth with very good holding. Most importantly, it offers the advantage of free and easy access or exit at any tide stage.




This has made it an ideal lunch stop, where many local boaters find it the perfect spot to watch races entering or exiting the Solent. Additionally, it is a very convenient location from which to visit Hurst Castle, a short walk down the beach. Visitors with larger vessels can anchor here instead of entering Keyhaven, thus entirely avoiding the complications of dealing with its shallow bar, the burden of securing moorings, and their associated fees.




Finally, it provides an excellent tide wait area for yachts leaving the Solent via the Needles Channel or a late berth for those arriving who plan to reach their final destinations during daylight.

What facilities are available?

None except for what may be had as described in the Keyhaven entry.

Any security concerns?

Never an issue known to have occurred to a vessel anchored off Keyhaven.

With thanks to:

Alison MacFaden, Roy Plummer and Steve Wood Keyhaven River Wardens.