There is more to a garden path than a strip of concrete leading from the street to the front door. If the path is also to serve as a drive, there are some limits as to what materials may be used, but for walking paths and patios almost anything will do. It depends on the effect you’re trying to create.
Paths don’t have to be straight and narrow as though making a beeline for the front door. If the front garden is small, much of the area can be paved, and carefully placed plants in pots, tubs or even stoneware jars can be used to lead the way to the door. Paths should be planned so that they can be widened out into an offset patio if desired or lead through a row of shrubs into another part of the garden, meander from one feature to another or go full circle so that you return to your starting point. Their purpose is to make access to all areas of the garden both easier and more pleasant. In short, paths and patios should be part of the garden, not just service tracks and sitting areas.
A garden of native plants will look more natural with irregular paths, such as section-sawn logs, railway sleepers. If a grand entrance is preferred, any of the paving blocks in either concrete or brick can be effective. Precast concrete slabs or strips are hard-wearing, but it takes time and patience to lay them evenly. Gravel over hard-packed clay makes a good drive-cum-walking path but is not good beside lawns: the stones get on the grass and if picked up by the mower can cause damage or injury. Also, if the land has too great a slope, river gravel will wash away in heavy rains.
Paths on sloping blocks usually are comprised of a series of steps and some flat areas – like landings on stairs. Careful planning and selection of materials can turn what might otherwise be a long uphill slug into an enjoyable, gentle climb. Where a section of steps rises steeply to a higher level, try to plan a paved flattish area at the top. If the slope is gradual, build a series of steps of equal number rising to small landings rather than one long unbroken flight of steps.
For the handyman, path, ratio, and step building are among the most satisfying of all jobs around the house. There is also the added attraction that, with the exception of wet concrete, you can re-do any part you’re not happy with or, as often happens, re-use the same materials a different way in a few years' time.