When it comes to garden path ideas, the possibilities are pretty limitless. There are a range of material considerations, colour options, shapes, widths and patterns.
They're an important garden design feature too, not only from a practical sense, allowing you to move through different garden areas with ease, but visually they connect the space and create a sense of cohesion.
Therefore taking some time to consider what you're looking for before you lay one is worthwhile. We've laid out some great options below which will help get your garden path ideas flowing freely.
12 garden path ideas to help start your design journey
"There are numerous garden landscaping materials available to create a garden pathway, from loose aggregates such as gravel, bark chipping, concrete or natural stone. The best material to use will depend on the intended purpose and location of the pathway, desired style and budget," says Ben Willis, a tile specialist at Willis & Stone.
1. Create a traditional look with stone
For those who favour a classic look then natural materials such as stone are ideal for pathways.
"A stone path is ideal for creating a traditional look – especially a paver with soft undulations and tumble edges, laid in a random pattern," says Joss Thomas, founder & designer at Indigenous.
Neil Bills, General Manager at Bradstone adds: "Choosing warm earthy tones can help build a classic appearance. Using irregular shapes and patterns can also add plenty of character to the pathway, enhancing that traditional feel."
Joss works with artisans and designers from all over the world. Indigenous are passionate about nature and natural materials, about texture and form; handmade, hand-finished and unique.
Shop stone paving
This eco-paving is made from reconstituted stone. The mix has been redesigned so it can be produced with a 20% less carbon footprint.
Great for a traditional style pathway with a cool and contemporary edge. They have a blueish hue which will lighten your space and combine well with planting.
You can't beat the buff-colour of natural sandstone for an instant feeling of warmth. Sandstone is naturally weather resistant and will retain its looks for years to come.
2. Choose a charming brick design
"Pathways made of brick have a classic charm and lasting durability, bringing warmth and character to outdoor spaces," says garden paving expert at Allan's Gardens Jane Dobbs.
"A brick withstands heavy foot traffic and adverse weather conditions and brick pathways can last for decades with little maintenance. It's usually enough to sweep them and rinse them occasionally to keep them looking good."
"Additionally, bricks don't need regular sealing or resealing like other materials. They enhance the overall visual appeal of a landscape with their rich hues and textures. Whether it's a traditional herringbone pattern or as brick pathway edging, they can be customised to suit your taste," says Jane.
Try the Reclaimed Brick Company at eBay.
Responsible for leading the gardening team at Allan's Gardeners, a landscaping and garden maintenance, business who do lawn care and installation. She has 10 years experience as a gardener.
3. Get a woodland look with a bark chipping path
"Organic mulching like wood chips and bark are budget-friendly options for garden beds or naturalistic settings. It's easy to install mulch pathways – just spread a layer over your desired pathway area," says Jane Dobbs.
Bark chippings have a lovely, soft, spongy surface and give off a rich woody scent which some people will find extremely pleasing. A wood chip path is great for drainage too as it is a permeable surface, at the same time suppressing weeds.
We like Rolawn Landscaping Bark Bulk Bag - 500L at Wickes.
4. Lay sleek paving slabs for modern pathways
"Create the perfect modern garden using sleek and regimented square garden paving," says Tom Clifford from Gardenstone.
"I recommend having these slabs installed by a professional to ensure they are evenly spaced, this will ensure a polished and symmetrical finish. Surrounding the paving slabs with white gravel will enhance the contemporary feel," says Tom.
"Monochromatic schemes can also accentuate a minimalist aesthetic. Incorporating geometric shapes and lighting along the path can also further enhance the modern feel," says Neil Bills.
Tom has been in the garden landscaping business for over 13 years making him an expert in garden design, lawn care and maintenance. He is the director of Gardenstone Limited a garden landscaping materials company.
5. Add in a curved path in a small space
If you have a small space then try a softer approach with curved garden path ideas which connect different areas of your outdoor living. spaces.
"If you have a small garden then a curved pathway can create the illusion of more space. Using a winding pattern will draw the eye outwards and extend the width of your garden. Plus curved paths are far more visually appealing which can help to add personality and character to a dull garden," says Tom Clifford.
6. Or, go straight for a formal look
"If you prefer a more minimalistic design, a straight pathway is the way to go as it provides a more formal and structured appearance. It’s also a great way to draw the eye to the focal point in the garden," says Neil Bills.
Joss Thomas adds that straight paths tend to be more practical and plants can be grown to soften the borders.
7. Try an inexpensive gravel path
"Gravel is the most affordable material to use for a garden path, plus it can be easily installed by a competent DIYer to save on labour costs. There are plenty of different shades and styles of gravel to choose from so you are sure to find one that will suit your taste," says Tom Clifford.
"Prior to installing a gravel path, ensure to remove all weeds and lay down a protective weed membrane to prevent the need for maintenance," says Tom.
8. Consider eco-friendly options
"If you’re looking to incorporate an eco-friendly garden path, permeable materials such as gravel, recycled concrete, or reclaimed paving stones are a good choice. These materials allow rainwater to soak into the ground and can help to reduce runoff," says Neil Bills.
"There are also eco-friendly paving options that typically have a lower carbon footprint than standard paving options. This is done through using locally sourced and sustainable materials that help to minimise environmental impacts," says Neil.
9. Opt for economical block paving walkways
For a budget friendly option try to lay block paving and to utilise a laying guide to help simplify the process.
"The key part is to ensure the edges are firmly restrained, preferably with concrete. This option is cost-effective due to lower material expenses and the majority of the work being done on a base of sharp sand rather than mortar," says Neil Bills.
"As a result, you can expect the process to be fast, straightforward, and a much more economical solution."
10. Line a path with plants
It's important to remember that it's not just about the path itself but what surrounds it. Melanie Hick, leader of bespoke outdoor design studio MHGD, suggests framing your path with hardy perennial plants – varieties that can withstand both hot summer sun and chilly winter frosts.
"Plants like Hollyhocks, Persovskia and even kale help create deep channels into the earth, further enhancing water drainage," says Melanie Hick. “Draw the eye down the path with a focal point. A reclaimed timber feature is ideal."
11. Mow a walkway through grass
A really simple garden path idea is to let your grass grow slightly longer and then mow a pathway through it. Not only does this tap into the trend for meadow-like spaces, it's also a great way of encouraging more wildlife into your space.
During summer you may want to mow the path once or twice every couple of weeks, but when the grass isn't growing as quickly at other times of the year it will be fairly low maintenance.
FAQs
What is the most cost-effective garden path?
"A gravel pathway is one of the most cost-effective options and it brings security benefits, as you can hear footfall. It’s also permeable, so it allows water to drain. Blown in weeds tend to establish easily though, so more maintenance will be needed," says Joss Thomas, Founder & Designer, Indigenous.
If you're planning a garden path for someone with mobility issues then check out our guide to accessible garden design for expert advice.
EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.
