Hill Head Beach

© Basher Eyre and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Set across the Solent from the Isle of Wight is a lengthy stretch of shingle beach backed by a tarmac walkway. Like much of this stretch of coast the beach is divided up by wooden groynes. These offer some protection from the erosive forces of longshore drift, helping to keep the shingle in place.

Hill Head beach is popular with watersports enthusiasts offering good sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. It is also a popular spot for fishing. To the western end of the beach is a small harbour, located at the mouth of the River Meon where it enters the Solent. Just beyond is the Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve, which is home to a vast array of birdlife.

The Hill Head shoreline overlooks the Solent. As one of the busiest sea lanes to and from the English coast this is a great spot for just watching the boats come and go.