United Kingdom Hurst Spit, Keyhaven, Hampshire

Hurst spit is a shingle bank that extends out nearly a mile and a half into the Solent. At the end of the spit, Hurst Castle and its lighthouse marks one of the narrowest pats of the Solent. It's a great spot for photographing commercial shipping and leisure craft. The spit protects Keyhaven and Pennington salt marshes, to the east, and provides a safe anchorage. To the west, there are views across to the Needles, the sea stacks at the western tip of the Isle of Wight. The island is only about a mile from the tip of the spit.

This is a great location at most times of year. In spring and fall, however, the low sun angles and big skies can provide amazing, soft lighting. Different directions can provide very different photos too. The shingle provides a stable base for a tripod, but the area is very exposed to winds. When it is windy, consider moving off the top of the spit and sheltering a bit lower down.

There is free parking close to the spit on Saltgrass Lane. This gets filled early in the summer, and on public holidays, but at other times of year there is usually space. Hurst Road East car park in Milford on Sea is also close to the spit.