It's a good week for talks and the cinema, and you can do the walk between showers.
Late September is usually cooler, with the first frosty mornings on the tops and the bracken turning. Check the MWIS Lake District forecast before setting off, and treat any high-level plans with respect.
It's a week of talks, from Hawkshead to Ravenglass to Ambleside, and a couple of nights at the pictures in Kendal. There's a gentle riverside walk in Grasmere for daytime, and two chances to do some conservation work with Cumbria Wildlife Trust.
A level path along the River Rothay, graded 'for all' by the park authority, with wildlife spotting on the way, St Oswald's Church where Wordsworth is buried, and the gingerbread shop. Allan Bank is also in the village if you want a house and garden too. Weekdays are far quieter than weekends in Grasmere.
Broadgate car park is in the village, with Stock Lane as the alternative. The accessible toilets at Stock Lane need a RADAR key and cost 50p. Buses 555 and 599 run from Ambleside and Keswick.
Hawkshead Grammar School Museum, Main Street, Hawkshead LA22 0LN Tickets at the door or online, Adults
About the forgotten histories of the other boys who went to the school, in a talk of roughly 40 minutes with questions. There's one entrance step and the talk is downstairs. Drinks are provided and the schoolroom can be cool, so wear layers. Booking on 015394 36674. Details and booking
The Armitt Museum, Rydal Road, Ambleside LA22 9BL Book via TryBooking, Adults
Members of the Ambleside Oral History Group tell of emergency services in the early 1900s, including a motor ambulance driver and a steam pump firefighter, with interview material on a 2015 rescue during Storm Desmond. Booking through TryBooking or on 01539 431212. Details and booking
Sizergh, near Kendal LA8 8DZ Free with garden admission, Adults
Drop-in tours of the garden and plant collection, but they depend on volunteers, so ask on arrival if they're running. Trampers can be hired, the paths are reinforced grass, and the terrace has two steps down. Details and booking
Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass CA18 1RQ Check with Muncaster, Adults
Rob Baxter, senior archivist at Cumbria Archives, on a little-known medieval nunnery near Bootle and the family that ended up with its estate. Book on the Muncaster website or 01229 717614. Details and booking
Kendal Castle, Kendal Check the trust's listing, Adults
A morning of plug planting with Cumbria Wildlife Trust. There's a similar session on the Kendal canal path on Thursday 1 October at the same time. Details and booking
A 45-minute guided walk round the estate perimeter, hearing about the Dawson family who built it. The route has hard slate and unavoidable stairs, though there's an alternative, and dogs on short leads are welcome. Check which days it runs. Details and booking
Oxen Park Reading Room, Oxen Park £5 suggested donation (cash), Adults
Local historians trace the old track from Hawkshead to Dalton, which has linked Furness farmsteads since the 12th century. It's a Cumbria Wildlife Trust local group talk and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Details and booking
Runs across the weekend from Friday, with events at Brewery Arts. Check the programme for what suits. Details and booking
Book ahead
Tip. For talks, ring or book ahead even if the listing says tickets are available at the door, as small venues like the Armitt and the Reading Room at Oxen Park can only hold so many.