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20 garden path ideas

By Ellie Reeves | 6th March 2025 | 7 min read

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 path.Slate stepping stone garden path.Slate stepping stone garden path.Slate 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 stone pathway bordered with shrubs.Cottage garden stone pathway bordered with shrubs.Cottage garden stone pathway bordered with shrubs.Cottage garden stone pathway bordered with shrubs.

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.

Square stepping stone walkway in a garden.Square stepping stone walkway in a garden.Square stepping stone walkway in a garden.Square stepping stone walkway in a garden.

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 stones in a garden.Tree trunk style stepping stones in a garden.Tree trunk style stepping stones in a garden.Tree trunk style stepping stones in a garden.

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.

Large curved stone path bordered with brown bricks.Large curved stone path bordered with brown bricks.Large curved stone path bordered with brown bricks.Large curved stone path bordered with brown bricks.

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.

Gravel front garden with square stepping stone slabs leading round the side of the house.Gravel front garden with square stepping stone slabs leading round the side of the house.Gravel front garden with square stepping stone slabs leading round the side of the house.Gravel front garden with square stepping stone slabs leading round the side of the house.

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.

A garden path with paving slabs of different sizes arranged in a mix of horizontal and vertical positions across a green lawn.A garden path with paving slabs of different sizes arranged in a mix of horizontal and vertical positions across a green lawn.A garden path with paving slabs of different sizes arranged in a mix of horizontal and vertical positions across a green lawn.A garden path with paving slabs of different sizes arranged in a mix of horizontal and vertical positions across a green lawn.

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.

A gravel pathway leading from the base of raised decking stairs, winding through a garden with flowering bushes and shrubs.A gravel pathway leading from the base of raised decking stairs, winding through a garden with flowering bushes and shrubs.A gravel pathway leading from the base of raised decking stairs, winding through a garden with flowering bushes and shrubs.A gravel pathway leading from the base of raised decking stairs, winding through a garden with flowering bushes and shrubs.

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.

Rectangular slate stepping stones placed over a bed of pebbles, creating a contemporary and textured garden pathway.Rectangular slate stepping stones placed over a bed of pebbles, creating a contemporary and textured garden pathway.Rectangular slate stepping stones placed over a bed of pebbles, creating a contemporary and textured garden pathway.Rectangular slate stepping stones placed over a bed of pebbles, creating a contemporary and textured garden pathway.

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.

A narrow gravel pathway bordered by bark chips, surrounded by lush green shrubs and vibrant bedding plants.A narrow gravel pathway bordered by bark chips, surrounded by lush green shrubs and vibrant bedding plants.A narrow gravel pathway bordered by bark chips, surrounded by lush green shrubs and vibrant bedding plants.A narrow gravel pathway bordered by bark chips, surrounded by lush green shrubs and vibrant bedding plants.

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.

Square stepping stones arranged in a staggered pattern over light brown pebbles, creating a distinctive and eye-catching garden pathway.Square stepping stones arranged in a staggered pattern over light brown pebbles, creating a distinctive and eye-catching garden pathway.Square stepping stones arranged in a staggered pattern over light brown pebbles, creating a distinctive and eye-catching garden pathway.Square stepping stones arranged in a staggered pattern over light brown pebbles, creating a distinctive and eye-catching garden pathway.

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.

A modern garden path featuring horizontal wooden slats set within white gravel, creating a contemporary outdoor walkway.A modern garden path featuring horizontal wooden slats set within white gravel, creating a contemporary outdoor walkway.A modern garden path featuring horizontal wooden slats set within white gravel, creating a contemporary outdoor walkway.A modern garden path featuring horizontal wooden slats set within white gravel, creating a contemporary outdoor walkway.

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 stepping stones placed over smooth grey pebbles, creating a charming garden pathway.Rustic stepping stones placed over smooth grey pebbles, creating a charming garden pathway.Rustic stepping stones placed over smooth grey pebbles, creating a charming garden pathway.Rustic stepping stones placed over smooth grey pebbles, creating a charming garden pathway.

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.

A curved brick pathway made with block paving, winding gracefully beside a lush green lawn.A curved brick pathway made with block paving, winding gracefully beside a lush green lawn.A curved brick pathway made with block paving, winding gracefully beside a lush green lawn.A curved brick pathway made with block paving, winding gracefully beside a lush green lawn.

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.

A sloped gravel pathway with wooden steps, combining natural materials for a rustic and practical garden walkway.A sloped gravel pathway with wooden steps, combining natural materials for a rustic and practical garden walkway.A sloped gravel pathway with wooden steps, combining natural materials for a rustic and practical garden walkway.A sloped gravel pathway with wooden steps, combining natural materials for a rustic and practical garden walkway.

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.

A curved stone pathway with horizontal slabs set in dark grey gravel, surrounded by decorative grasses for a tranquil garden walk.A curved stone pathway with horizontal slabs set in dark grey gravel, surrounded by decorative grasses for a tranquil garden walk.A curved stone pathway with horizontal slabs set in dark grey gravel, surrounded by decorative grasses for a tranquil garden walk.A curved stone pathway with horizontal slabs set in dark grey gravel, surrounded by decorative grasses for a tranquil garden walk.

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.

A narrow slate path winding through fragrant lavender, leading to a lush green lawn.A narrow slate path winding through fragrant lavender, leading to a lush green lawn.A narrow slate path winding through fragrant lavender, leading to a lush green lawn.A narrow slate path winding through fragrant lavender, leading to a lush green lawn.

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.

A distinctive garden pathway with two different-sized rectangular stone slabs over white gravel, some extending into the grass, creating an artistic and captivating focal point.A distinctive garden pathway with two different-sized rectangular stone slabs over white gravel, some extending into the grass, creating an artistic and captivating focal point.A distinctive garden pathway with two different-sized rectangular stone slabs over white gravel, some extending into the grass, creating an artistic and captivating focal point.A distinctive garden pathway with two different-sized rectangular stone slabs over white gravel, some extending into the grass, creating an artistic and captivating focal point.

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.

A red brick pathway bordered by grey brick edging, blending warm earthy tones with cool neutrals.A red brick pathway bordered by grey brick edging, blending warm earthy tones with cool neutrals.A red brick pathway bordered by grey brick edging, blending warm earthy tones with cool neutrals.A red brick pathway bordered by grey brick edging, blending warm earthy tones with cool neutrals.

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.

A rustic garden path made from natural wooden planks winding through a grass lawn.A rustic garden path made from natural wooden planks winding through a grass lawn.A rustic garden path made from natural wooden planks winding through a grass lawn.A rustic garden path made from natural wooden planks winding through a grass lawn.

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.

Digital Content Writer Ellie Reeves

Ellie Reeves

Digital Content Writer

Ellie is a content writer with over six years of experience in home décor and DIY. She’s on a mission to help people create a home they love. Big on dopamine décor and colourful accessories, she’s all about adding personality to every space...Read more