Oulton: Moorland and Local History

For travel planning, three distinct points of interest can be identified in Oulton: the nearby moorland, a named cycle route and the area’s history. Wedholme Flow is part of the South Solway Mosses National Nature Reserve; historical landmarks in Oulton include a chapel, schools and the Parish Institute. When choosing your destination, you can therefore distinguish between nature, a specific route and the former use of local facilities.

Wedholme Flow and the Moorland

Near Oulton, Wedholme Flow is part of the South Solway Mosses National Nature Reserve, a complex of lowland raised bogs. Plants in the reserve include sundews, marsh rosemary and cranberries; specialist bird and invertebrate species are also part of this natural environment. For travellers interested in natural landscapes, the area combines a protected landscape with specific botanical and zoological features.

The reserve is centred around Kirkbride and lies about six miles north of Wigton; Wigton railway station is about six miles south of the reserve. One access point to Wedholme Flow is at a car park on the road from Wigton to Kirkbride. There is an information board, marked paths and bicycle racks there. Visitor facilities may change, so check before your visit.

Cycling Route through Oulton

One way to explore the surrounding area by bike is the 19-mile (31 km) “River Wampool and Wedholme Flow” route. It can be reached from Wigton via the road to Oulton and onwards through Moorhouse. For your planning, the route distance and access to the moor are two different pieces of information: the distance applies to the cycle route, while the information board, marked paths and bicycle racks are at the Wedholme Flow access point. Check route conditions before setting off.

Chapel, Schools and Parish Institute

The Baptist chapel has a history spanning several phases: it was built in Oulton in 1722 and rebuilt in 1832. It later served as a Primitive Methodist chapel; by 1984 at the latest, it was no longer in use. Its construction, rebuilding and later use are distinct stages in its history.

The history of the schools has two points of reference. The school known as “School House” had been established in Oulton by 1847 at the latest; a new Church of England school was built in 1875. Both schools closed in 1992. The dates refer to different events: “School House” refers to its establishment, while the date for the new school is its year of construction.

Oulton Parish Institute was built in 1924. Along with the information about the chapel and schools, this construction date adds another historic institution to the area’s history. The chronology thus extends from the 18th-century chapel, through the 19th-century schools, to the construction of the institute in the 20th century.

Discover more destinations: St Bees, Askham, Wheyrigg, Roose, Crosby Ravensworth, Stanwix, Flookburgh, Soulby

For the wider travel overview: Cumbria.