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Hurst Road is situated immediately within the Western Solent, close north of Hurst Point, outside and on the approaches to the entrance to Keyhaven. It offers an easily accessible and convenient anchorage just off the beach.

Hurst Road is situated immediately within the Western Solent, close north of Hurst Point, outside and on the approaches to the entrance to Keyhaven. It offers an easily accessible and convenient anchorage just off the beach.

Situated in an open roadstead Hurst Road makes for a tolerable anchorage in moderate westerly component conditions. Access is straightforward as there are no outlying dangers and the water shoals predictably.
Please note

On some tides there can be a tendency for vessels to lie side-on and role.




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Keyfacts for Hurst Road
Facilities
Slipway availableMarked or notable walks in the vicinity of this locationPleasant family beach in the area


Nature
No fees for anchoring or berthing in this locationRemote or quiet secluded locationAnchoring locationBeach or shoreline landing from a tenderQuick and easy access from open waterScenic location or scenic location in the immediate vicinityHistoric, geographic or culturally significant location; or in the immediate vicinity

Considerations
Note: strong tides or currents in the area that require consideration

Protected sectors

Current wind over the protected quadrants
Minimum depth
2 metres (6.56 feet).

Approaches
4 stars: Straightforward; when unaffected by weather from difficult quadrants or tidal consideration, no overly complex dangers.
Shelter
3 stars: Tolerable; in suitable conditions a vessel may be left unwatched and an overnight stay.



Last modified
May 21st 2025

Summary

A tolerable location with straightforward access.


Best time to enter or exit

The Western Approaches to The Solent and the run-up to Southampton Route location provides shoreline guidance and a tidal timer.
Facilities
Slipway availableMarked or notable walks in the vicinity of this locationPleasant family beach in the area


Nature
No fees for anchoring or berthing in this locationRemote or quiet secluded locationAnchoring locationBeach or shoreline landing from a tenderQuick and easy access from open waterScenic location or scenic location in the immediate vicinityHistoric, geographic or culturally significant location; or in the immediate vicinity

Considerations
Note: strong tides or currents in the area that require consideration




Position and approaches
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Haven position

50° 42.560' N, 001° 32.975' W

This is about 100 metres off the beach northward of Hurst Point Light.

What is the initial fix?

The following Keyhaven Initial fix will set up a final approach:
50° 42.802' N, 001° 32.520' W
This is the position of the Yellow race mark (March - November) situated off Pennington Spit.


What are the key points of the approach?

Refer to Western Approaches to the Solent Route location for appropriate navigational guidance.
  • Beware of the shallows extending from Pennington Marsh when approaching from the east.

  • Beware of the Trap when approaching from the west.


Not what you need?
Click the 'Next' and 'Previous' buttons to progress through neighbouring havens in a coastal 'clockwise' or 'anti-clockwise' sequence. Below are the ten nearest havens to Hurst Road for your convenience.
Ten nearest havens by straight line charted distance and bearing:
  1. Keyhaven - 0.3 nautical miles NW
  2. Totland Bay - 1.7 nautical miles S
  3. Yarmouth - 1.8 nautical miles E
  4. Alum Bay - 2.6 nautical miles SSW
  5. Lymington Yacht Haven - 2.7 nautical miles NNE
  6. Lymington Harbour - 2.8 nautical miles NNE
  7. Freshwater Bay - 2.9 nautical miles SSE
  8. Berthon Lymington Marina - 2.9 nautical miles NNE
  9. Scratchell's Bay - 3.2 nautical miles SSW
  10. Newtown River Entrance - 5.3 nautical miles ENE
These havens are ordered by straight line charted distance and bearing, and can be reordered by compass direction or coastal sequence:
  1. Keyhaven - 0.3 miles NW
  2. Totland Bay - 1.7 miles S
  3. Yarmouth - 1.8 miles E
  4. Alum Bay - 2.6 miles SSW
  5. Lymington Yacht Haven - 2.7 miles NNE
  6. Lymington Harbour - 2.8 miles NNE
  7. Freshwater Bay - 2.9 miles SSE
  8. Berthon Lymington Marina - 2.9 miles NNE
  9. Scratchell's Bay - 3.2 miles SSW
  10. Newtown River Entrance - 5.3 miles ENE
To find locations with the specific attributes you need try:

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Chart
Please use our integrated Navionics chart to appraise the haven and its approaches. Navionics charts feature in premier plotters from B&G, Raymarine, Magellan and are also available on tablets. Open the chart in a larger viewing area by clicking the expand to 'new tab' or the 'full screen' option.

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What's the story here?
Yacht anchored off Hurst Point
Image: Michael Harpur


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.


Hurst Point is a convenient drop in location
Image: Michael Harpur


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?
Hurst Point and Keyhaven marking the western approaches to the Solent
Image: Neil Howard via CC BY-NC 2.0


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


Beware of the Trap when approaching from outside the Solent
Image: Michael Harpur


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.


Yacht approaching from the east
Image: Michael Harpur


Eastern Approach 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 seasonal buoy moored of Pennington Marsh Spit
Image: Michael Harpur


Initial fix location 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.


The shoreline abruptly shelves to the gravel beach
Image: Michael Harpur


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.

Yacht anchored off Hurst Roads with the race mark in the backdrop
Image: Michael Harpur


Haven location 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 northward off the approach to Keyhaven
Image: Michael Harpur


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.


Hurst Point, near the end of Hurst Spit
Image: Michael Harpur


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.


Hurst Castle and Lighthouse
Image: Just another Caulkhead via CC BY-SA 2.0


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.


Hurst Point Lighthouse dates back to 1867
Image: Michael Harpur


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.


The skeletal remains of an old pier on the beach
Image: Michael Harpur


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.


There is a small lighthouse museum within the castle
Image: Peter Hurford via CC BY-SA 2.0


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


The anchorage might be subject to a roll
Image: Michael Harpur


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.


It avoids Keyhaven's tidal restrictions on the opposite side of the shingle spit
Image: Michael Harpur


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.


Hurst Roads is an ideal lunch stop or place to watch races entering or exiting the Solent
Image: Michael Harpur


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.



About Hurst Road

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.


Hurst Point, near the end of Hurst Spit
Image: Michael Harpur


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.


Hurst Castle and Lighthouse
Image: Just another Caulkhead via CC BY-SA 2.0


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.


Hurst Point Lighthouse dates back to 1867
Image: Michael Harpur


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.


The skeletal remains of an old pier on the beach
Image: Michael Harpur


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.


There is a small lighthouse museum within the castle
Image: Peter Hurford via CC BY-SA 2.0


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


The anchorage might be subject to a roll
Image: Michael Harpur


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.


It avoids Keyhaven's tidal restrictions on the opposite side of the shingle spit
Image: Michael Harpur


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.


Hurst Roads is an ideal lunch stop or place to watch races entering or exiting the Solent
Image: Michael Harpur


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.

Other options in this area


Click the 'Next' and 'Previous' buttons to progress through neighbouring havens in a coastal 'clockwise' or 'anti-clockwise' sequence. Alternatively here are the ten nearest havens available in picture view:
Coastal clockwise:
Christchurch Bay - 4.2 miles W
Christchurch Harbour - 5.3 miles W
Salterns Marina - 9.5 miles W
Parkstone Yacht Club - 9.7 miles W
Poole Quay Boat Haven - 10.3 miles W
Coastal anti-clockwise:
Keyhaven - 0.2 miles NW
Lymington Yacht Haven - 1.7 miles NNE
Berthon Lymington Marina - 1.8 miles NNE
Lymington Harbour - 1.7 miles NNE
Gull Island - 4.6 miles NE

Navigational pictures


These additional images feature in the 'How to get in' section of our detailed view for Hurst Road.







































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