20 garden path ideas

By Ellie Reeves | 27th February 2024 | 7 min read

Walk this way: garden path designs for every space

From winding trails to straight, narrow passageways – every garden can benefit from a path. They add structure and dimension, invite exploration, and guide you through your own patch of paradise. Enjoy every step as you immerse yourself in the colours, scents, and textures of your garden. Whether your style leans towards contemporary chic with sleek paving slabs or the rustic charm of a meandering gravel path, there's a design out there for you.

slate stepping stone garden pathslate stepping stone garden pathslate stepping stone garden pathslate stepping stone garden path

1. DIY garden path with slate slabs

Create a stepping stone pathway using slate slabs. These stones of natural slate, some rectangular and others with softer, rounded edges, weave a path through this colourful rock garden. Their cool grey tones echo the hues of the nearby rocks and blend in seamlessly with the moss carpeting the ground.

cottage garden path stonecottage garden path stonecottage garden path stonecottage garden path stone

2. Cottage garden path with pebbles

For a cottage garden, create meandering pathways throughout your sanctuary using textured gravel and pebbles. Border the pathway with beautiful shrubs and plants such as Hydrangea and Foxgloves for a romantic feel in your cottage-style garden.

stepping stone walkway ideasstepping stone walkway ideasstepping stone walkway ideasstepping stone walkway ideas

3. Square stepping stone walkway

Design a contemporary square stepping stone walkway by using oversized paving slabs. Position the slabs on a bed of lush moss, flanked by beautiful shrubs, to add a touch of modern sophistication to your outdoor space.

tree trunk style stepping stonestree trunk style stepping stonestree trunk style stepping stonestree trunk style stepping stones

4. Tree trunk style stepping stones

Transform your garden into a whimsical woodland wonderland by incorporating tree trunk style stepping stones. Meander these stepping stones through your grassy lawn or amidst a bed of bark to evoke an enchanted woodland theme. These unique stepping stones serve as a charming and distinctive feature, adding an element of natural beauty and character to your outdoor space.

path edging ideaspath edging ideaspath edging ideaspath edging ideas

5. Curved gravel pathway with brick edging

Craft an elegant curved gravel pathway bordered with brick edging. The rich red-brown tones of the bricks beautifully complement the natural hues of the gravel, adding a touch of warmth and charm to your garden.

front garden path ideasfront garden path ideasfront garden path ideasfront garden path ideas

6. Stepping stone front garden pathway on gravel

Fashion a welcoming front garden pathway using an assortment of differently sized stepping stones nestled within a bed of gravel. This inviting walkway not only guides you around the side of the house but also seamlessly connects the front and back garden spaces. Creating a harmonious flow throughout your outdoor space.

unique garden path designsunique garden path designsunique garden path designsunique garden path designs

7. Unique stepping stone walkway design

Create an eclectic garden path by laying paving slabs of different sizes in various positions across a lush grass lawn. In this garden, some of the stone slabs have been placed horizontally, while others have been positioned vertically, resulting in a delightfully distinctive pathway.

gravel garden pathgravel garden pathgravel garden pathgravel garden path

8. Gravel pathway leading from raised decking

Design a picturesque gravel pathway that starts from the base of your decking stairs and winds its way through your garden, creating an inviting walkway. Enhance the pathway by surrounding it with stunning flowering bushes and lush shrubs, adding a touch of natural beauty to your garden.

slate stepping stones on gravelslate stepping stones on gravelslate stepping stones on gravelslate stepping stones on gravel

9. Slate stepping stones laid over pebbles

Lay rectangular slate stepping stones over a bed of pebbles to create an enchanting pathway. The combination of the smooth, dark slate against the textured pebbles adds a contemporary touch to your outdoor space, while also providing a visually appealing walking surface.

narrow gravel garden pathnarrow gravel garden pathnarrow gravel garden pathnarrow gravel garden path

10. Narrow gravel pathway surrounded by shrubs and bedding plants

Transform your garden into a whimsical oasis with a charming narrow gravel pathway. This grey gravel walkway is bordered by bark chips and enveloped by a lush array of green shrubs and vibrant, colourful plants, evoking a sense of magic in your garden.

stepping stone walkway ideasstepping stone walkway ideasstepping stone walkway ideasstepping stone walkway ideas

11. Staggered square stepping stone pathway

For a distinctive and eye-catching aesthetic in your garden, arrange your square paving slabs in a staggered pattern. These stepping stones are nestled within a bed of light brown pebbles, creating a captivating focal point in your outdoor space.

wood and gravel garden pathwood and gravel garden pathwood and gravel garden pathwood and gravel garden path

12. Wooden slats and white gravel modern garden path

Design a striking modern garden path by arranging short wooden slats horizontally, creating a sleek and contemporary look. Surround the wooden pathway with a bed of pristine white gravel to enhance the clean and contemporary aesthetic.

rustic slate stepping stone pathrustic slate stepping stone pathrustic slate stepping stone pathrustic slate stepping stone path

13. Rustic stepping stones laid over grey pebbles

Lay down rustic stepping stones over a bed of smooth grey pebbles to fashion a charming and timeless pathway. The combination of the weathered stepping stones against the cool grey pebbles will add a touch of rustic elegance to your outdoor space.

pathway ideas brickpathway ideas brickpathway ideas brickpathway ideas brick

14. Curved brick pathway besides grass lawn

Design an elegant curved brick pathway that gracefully winds alongside a lush green grass lawn. Made with block paving, this classic brick pathway creates a sense of sophistication in your garden, while seamlessly blending with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

sloped garden path ideassloped garden path ideassloped garden path ideassloped garden path ideas

15. DIY sloped gravel pathway with wooden steps

Create a DIY sloped gravel pathway featuring charming wooden steps. This project gives your outdoor space a rustic feel, while providing a practical and visually appealing solution for navigating sloped terrain. The combination of natural elements such as gravel and wood create a relaxed atmosphere in your garden.

modern garden path ideas stonemodern garden path ideas stonemodern garden path ideas stonemodern garden path ideas stone

16. Curved stone pathway surrounded by decorative grass

Create a sophisticated curved stone pathway by arranging horizontal stone slabs within a bed of dark grey gravel. This graceful walkway meanders through decorative grasses, seamlessly blending with the greenery. The combination of natural stone, gravel, and lush greenery adds a touch of timeless beauty and tranquility to your space.

diy garden path slatediy garden path slatediy garden path slatediy garden path slate

17. Narrow slate path surrounded by lavender

Design a narrow slate path that winds its way through fragrant lavender, leading you to a patch of lush green lawn. This charming pathway immerses you in the soothing aroma and vibrant colours of the deep-purple lavender, creating a serene atmosphere for you to enjoy.

unique garden path ideasunique garden path ideasunique garden path ideasunique garden path ideas

18. Horizontal slab pathway separated by white stones

Fashion a distinctive garden pathway by laying two different sized rectangular stone slabs over a bed of white gravel. This pathway features a captivating design with some of the stone slabs extending into the grass. We love the artistic arrangement of the slabs, creating a stunning focal point in the garden.

brick garden path designsbrick garden path designsbrick garden path designsbrick garden path designs

19. Brown and grey brick garden path

Lay down a red brick pathway surrounded by grey brick edging. The combination of brown and grey bricks blend the warm earthy tones with cool, neutral shades. This versatile colour palette adds depth and visual interest to your garden, creating a timeless pathway that complements a variety of garden styles.

cheap diy garden path ideascheap diy garden path ideascheap diy garden path ideascheap diy garden path ideas

20. Natural wooden stepping stone path on grass

Create a rustic garden path by laying down natural wooden planks that winds its way through your grass lawn. This charming pathway not only creates a practical route through your garden, but also adds a touch of organic beauty to your space.