Wayfarer FAQs 

Breedon Golden Amber Gravel is more robust, it is a 12mm to dust crushed and graded limestone, Wayfarer is a 6mm to dust crushed and graded limestone. Both products are produced from selected hard limestone at our Breedon Quarry, Breedon on the Hill, Derbyshire. 

Wayfarer is perfectly suitable for footpaths, canal towpaths, cycleways and bridleways but is not for vehicular use.

Please note that Breedon Golden Amber and Wayfarer self-binding gravels are not free draining and therefore require a cross fall or camber to shed water from their surface into adequate drainage.

We supply Account and Non-account customers alike on a Nationwide basis. All products are available both loose tipped and in 800kg bulk bags Nationwide.

We can supply you with a minimum quantity of 800kg in a bulk bag and can offer delivery nationwide.

No — Wayfarer self-binding gravel is not free draining.

It needs a cross fall or camber so water can run off into suitable drainage as detailed in our Installation Guide.

If you need a similar product that is permeable, consider our Breedon Buff chippings, which are quarried from the same rock and match in colour and strength. They’re ideal for areas where self-binding gravel isn’t suitable.

View the whole range of free-draining decorative aggregates we offer here.

One tonne of Wayfarer self-binding gravel will cover approximately 10m² when laid at the recommended compacted depth of 40mm.

These estimates include a 10% allowance for wastage to ensure you order the right amount of material.

2.2 tonnes per compacted cubic metre.

No. A membrane must be laid between the ground and the type 1 sub-base. If required.

Wayfarer must be laid directly onto a quarried Type 1 sub-base.

Wayfarer must be installed at a finished compacted thickness of 40 mm, as specified in our official laying guidelines.

Laying the material any thicker prevents proper compaction and stops the fines from rising during water rolling, which is essential for forming a strong, stable surface.

A thinner layer will compromise the wearing course, reducing durability and overall performance.

No, Wayfarer cannot be laid directly on concrete or asphalt.

For proper installation, it must be laid on an MOT Type 1 sub-base, which provides structural support and allows the gravel to lock and bind correctly.

Laying on concrete or asphalt can trap water beneath the surface, causing soft spots and potholes which, in time will lead to a complete breakdown of the product surface.

Edgings for Wayfarer are optional, but using concrete, timber, metal, or stone edgings can help with compaction and maintaining the shape of your driveway or pathway.

Edgings should not sit proud of the gravel; if they do, create drainage gaps—drill holes or cut a small ‘V’ every 0.5 m for timber or metal, or leave out mortar joints every 0.5 m for kerbs or setts—to allow water to run off the surface.

Wayfarer can be laid in the rain, which can help with the water rolling process.

However, avoid laying during heavy downpours, as intense rain may wash away the fines content and affect the binding of the surface.

Wayfarer, like all aggregates containing fines and moisture, should never be laid in freezing conditions.

Installing Wayfarer in temperatures below zero will compromise the durability and stability of driveways and pathways due to expansion/shrinkage of the product as it thaws.

Wayarer should not be laid on slopes steeper than a 1 in 15 gradient, as heavy rain and stormwater can create ruts and potholes.

For steeper areas, installing steps at intervals can help prevent surface damage and maintain a durable, long-lasting finish.

For effective surface water drainage, smaller areas such as footpaths should have a gradient of at least 1 in 50.

For larger areas like driveways, a minimum gradient of 1 in 40 is recommended, equating to a 25 mm drop per metre of width. Proper gradients help prevent pooling, erosion, and surface damage on Wayfarer installations.

To properly install Wayfarer, you will need a flat board or the back of a garden rake to initially spread the material.

Do not use the prongs of a rake, as this can segregate the fines from the aggregate. For footpaths, a minimum 1-tonne sit-on water roller is recommended, while larger areas such as driveways require a 1.5-tonne sit-on water roller.

Additionally, you will need a water supply (e.g., a hose) and a soft broom to finish the surface.

Approximately 5 gallons of water per tonne of Wayfarer are required for proper compaction. Hot or dry conditions may require more water, while cooler winter conditions may require slightly less. Water from a vibrating roller alone is not sufficient; additional water should be applied using a hose directed at the drum of the roller for best results.

A wacker plate can be used where a roller cannot access the area. However, it requires many more passes and careful attention. Reduce the gravel depth slightly from 40 mm to 35 mm for better compaction, as a plate does not provide the same weight as a roller.

Once fully compacted, repeatedly apply water evenly with a very fine hose spray to help float the fines, keeping the plate moving to avoid disturbing the surface.

The setting time for Wayfarer depends on weather conditions. In summer, it typically sets in around 1 week, while colder or wetter conditions may extend setting to 2 weeks or more.

The area should remain unused during this period, and it should be treated carefully for the first three months to allow the surface to gain full strength and durability.

No, adding cement to Wayfarer will not make the surface more hard-wearing. While you can manually mix 1 part cement to 10 parts gravel, this may affect the colour consistency of the finished surface.

Cement may slightly speed up setting time, but it does not increase the strength of the material or prevent the surface from scarifying over time.

Yes, Wayfarer can be stored for extended periods before use. However, if it dries out, the fines may separate from the aggregate. Before installation, moisten the gravel and re-blend the stockpile to ensure an even and consistent finish.

Wayarer is a natural material and may stick to shoes, particularly when wet. The dusting will reduce over time as the gravel weathers and the top surface scarifies.

For best results, it’s recommended to have a paved area and a doormat before entering buildings to minimize tracking.

No, Breedon Golden Amber Gravel & Wayfarer are only available in its natural golden buff colour.

This timeless shade complements both historical and modern landscaping, making it ideal for a wide range of driveways, pathways, and garden projects.

No, Wayfarer is not recommended to be used for driveways.

Please see our Breedon Golden Amber Gravel, the alternative self-binding material, suitable for dirveways. 

When installing Wayfarer we recommend using a soft broom while it is still wet to remove roller marks and achieve a smooth finish. Over time, the surface will naturally scarify, so occasional brushing may be needed to maintain an even appearance.

If you wish to sweep the surface once it has been laid for a period of time, you can do this – however, removing the surface dressing of chippings to leave a smooth surface will affect the longevity of the material and the nature of this product is that the surface will once again re-scarify over time

Yes, Wayfarer can be used under seating or patio areas. However, dragging furniture across the surface may cause scuffing, so regular maintenance may be required.

Ensure proper drainage is installed to prevent water from pooling on the surface.

If potholes occur in a Wayfarer surface, they should be repaired promptly to prevent water damage.

Remove the damaged gravel in a square shape down to the sub-base, moisten the area if it is dry, and refill with new gravel following all phases of our laying instructions.

The pH value is 8.3.