From 23 May, for the first time in 1600 years, visitors will be able to walk the full 84-mile length of Hadrian's Wall.

The Hadrian's Wall Path stretches from the Banks - a restored Edwardian promenade - in Bowness-on-Solway on the Cumbrian coast, to the site of the Roman fort at Segedunum at Wallsend on Tyneside. It traverses a variety of countryside -salt marsh, pastureland, the rough upland scenery of the Whin Sill escarpment, arable farmland and, approaching Wallsend, riverside - and reaches a high point of 345m (1,130ft).

The project was made possible by Heritage Lottery Fund grants of £3.14m and is part of a £6m investment by the Countryside Agency. Apart from playing a part in protecting the wall itself, it is anticipated that this will open the area to tourism and bring jobs and income to a predominantly rural area.Countryside Agency chief executive, Richard Wakeford, said: By 2006 around 20,000 people a year are expected to walk the entire trail and, together with day visitors, will spend an estimated £7m locally, supporting more than 80 new jobs.

He continued: It's good news for holidaymakers, dedicated walkers and people who want a refreshing day out, and it is good news too for local people who live and work along the Wall.About 30 miles of new rights of way have been created to complete the walk and new gates, footbridges, stiles and other furniture have been provided. Disabled access to many stretches of the Wall has also been opened up.

In conjunction with the opening of the Hadrian's Wall Path, over 40 other short walks have been created to encourage people to visit the surrounding countryside and attractions. The creation of the walk was a partnership between local authorities, farming and user groups and other agencies including English Heritage, English Nature, The National Trust and the Hadrian's Wall Tourism Partnership. Details: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/hadrianswall