Hurst Castle & Lighthouse

A dramatic and wind swept location

I set out today to film the lighthouse at Hurst Castle. It was built by Henry VIII at the end of a coastal spit and was one of the most advanced artillery fortresses in England. It was also used as a prison for captives in the 17th Century. Last summer I visited the castle after kayaking from the beginning of the spit. The harbour provides shelter from the wind and is a popular place for wind surfers and kite boarders. Supported by English Heritage, the castle makes for an interesting visit with plenty of objects on display, a dungeon and videos about the lighthouse. Great for history enthusiasts. I would say I’m moderately interested in history and I read most, not all of the texts but am unable to recall facts for later demonstration of knowledge and intelligence in conversation. Probably due to there being no necessity and having had no emotive or physical relationship to (whom) I’m learning about.

Today was a day for capturing a shot of the lighthouse. I almost decided not to make the effort due to the high winds, but having made it there by cycling over loose shingle, I thought I’d be crazy not to. Thankfully the repair work to the collapsed wall on the east wing had been completed in 2022. It’s foundations were undercut and exposed by the sea. Of course the sea level may be rising but it’s hardly noticeable. So there’s no scaffolding and best of all you can’t see me in the shot. I’m obscured by shadows below the wall of the fortress in the third shot. It’s not quite as good as it could be due to the fact the Bebop II slows down between waypoints on a progressive course, so only two waypoints should be used. There’s a group of birds and a 4x4 and not much else of interest, except the scenery. It does show the dramatic and highly exposed nature of the place. Possibly another visit at ‘magic hour’ might do the trick, if the winds are calm, to capture a longer continuous shot.

Upon my return to the mainland I visited upon an ice cream van. The ice cream vendor had similar frustrations with stones and grit getting caught in her shoes. She was surprised that I’d been able to cycle all the way down the spit (made easier by the power and tyre thickness of the Focus Av2). I jokingly commented that if I were to get married there, I wouldn’t expect the guests to walk all the way over the shingle. It’s a long way over uncomfortable and difficult ground with high winds. My advice would be to bring a mountain bike.