Spring seems to have arrived, and with the weather warming up Rotary club members have been out checking the route of the annual sponsored walk to make sure there are no surprises.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Rotary Walk: Waterend HouseRotary Walk: Waterend House (Image: Archant)

There is a slight change of route on the long walk this year with the return from near the edge of Wheathamstead taking in more of the Ayot Greenway for easier walking in groups and to avoid a currently rather muddy stretch.

Both the long and medium routes now come together on the Greenway before descending to the Lee Valley Walk just before Waterend and its ford.

The tiny village of Waterend was the site of the original Waterend Barn which was dismantled and re-erected in the middle of St Albans in 1938 serving as the Waterend Barn Restaurant.

Both the Barn and Water End House, that stands today, were built around 1610 by noted architect James Payne for the then owner Sir Matthew Lamb.

The barn originally stood between the house and the ford.

Waterend House is a listed building, listed in 1953, and well worth a look from outside. There are many details about the building available on the internet.

From the house the route follows the River Lee.

Despite the rural appearance, it is hard to imagine that the little river was once highly industrialised and had been a major waterway for more than 2,000 years.

The route skirts the river from the ford to Brocket Park where it crosses the estate before returning through Sherrardswood along the old railway line to The Campus West car park.

Whichever route you take there are great views across the lovely Chilterns countryside.

Hopefully the bluebells wil be in full bloom.

Entry for the walk is from £6 and accompanied under-16s walk free.

All money collected goes to charities.

Full details of the walk can be found on www.whwalk.org.uk