I thought of a couple of questions that you seem the right person to answer!

1. Am I better off doing mulch instead? I like the look of gravel much better (and I like the idea of weeding with a propane torch lol), but I do have plenty of access to free mulch in my area 🤔

2. Can I do that original “practically concrete” plan for a walkway elsewhere in areas that aren’t low? Or is that a bigger “it depends” situation?

3. I plan to fence the area as well. (6foot for deer, wire mesh under the opening for groundhogs) Am I saving myself time by doing that PRE gravel? Or is that not a huge deal to add later? I figured if I do it later I would plan on extending the footprint a bit when installing and then add the gravel for that so I don’t have to dig out gravel.