The 84-mile stretch of wall linking Tyneside to Cumbria opened in May 2003.

It is estimated that more than 3,500 people have walked its length from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway since its launch.

The Countryside Agency, which is responsible for the trail, said 50% of the �6m cost of setting up the route had already been recouped.

A spokesman for the Countryside Agency said the number of long distance walkers using the trail had been substantial.

One in five walkers was from overseas -- with 50% of those from North America.

'Phenomenally successful'

He said latest figures show that in its first year, the trail had generated �3m to the local economies of Cumbria and Northumberland.

That figure does not include spending by around 250,000 people who used the trail as either day or short stay visitors.

A special "passport", which walkers can have stamped at six locations along the route has been re-launched after being withdrawn for the winter.

But this year a winter passport will be on offer which will cover 20 of the 100 or so circular walks off the main trail.

A spokesman for regional development agency One NorthEast, which has recently taken over responsibility for tourism in the region, said: "The trail has widened the appeal of Hadrian's Wall to a whole new audience and has been phenomenally successful.

"It has increased the number of people taking in its unique visitor experience and has been a major economic boost to the rural communities and businesses along the length of the Wall."