[noshed]

I have beds, mostly 1.2m ish wide, which I can cultivate quite intensely. I just have grass for paths - covered with straw out of the manure we get delivered. Every winter I neaten the edges up a bit and spread compost about. I don't bother with wood edging. After a year or so the beds get higher.
Some bits of the plot are a bit wider but I just put some temporary straw paths when needed.
The only place you need a bit of space is in front to your shed for a chair - this will also give you room to use the shed shelf for filling seed trays etc. - and in front of the compost bins for digging out and turning.
Cold frames are very handy if you haven't got a greenhouse on site - you can easily knock one up from some scrap wood and an old window or something.
I hope this helps - if you've three gardeners, you'll get four opinions so just give it a go and don't be afraid of rejigging things a bit if you change your mind. Have a good look round everyone else's plot for a start and pinch all their best ideas.

[darby]

Cheers noshed. I think I'll just crack on with what I've got and make any changes as I go. At the end of the day none of it's permanent and I can always dig up a path or extend a bed if I feel inclined 

Thanks for your tips everyone.

[darby]

Just to let you all know, I've started logging my progress with my plot on my blog.

Thanks again for your help and advice.  

[Leedsniner]

Nice blog Darby - I will follow with interest.