Hurst Castle

Two possibilities here, an open anchorage with a fairly strong tidal current alongside the beach. It's OK for a lunch stop or as an overnight to get an early start west toward Poole.

You can also get inside the spit, where you can lay quietly in the small pool on the port hand between the entrance and the fisherman's pontoon. According to local knowledge (many thanks to Chris Enstone) the entrance is navigable at LW +/- 2 with a draft of 6 feet. When anchoring, keep clear of the main channel, anchoring fore and aft makes room for more visitors. We have been caught for a fiver by the local harbourmaster but he's not too diligent at chasing for his money. The shingle beach is fine for barbecues and beachcombing but sandcastles are out. A visit to Hurst castle is a must, possibly combined with a cheap lunch at the cafe inside.

Just a quick note about the entrance, keep to starboard when entering, the spit on the port hand side extends further than you may think.

Hurst Spit and it's anchorages.

Guide price : Inside £5 (28ft 2003) : Outside Free.