hard sand

A hard sand surface, usually used for ground areas, pathways, or sports pitches, is a layer of sand compressed, hardened, or flattened into a relatively hard and flat surface which is easy to walk or run on compared to soft sand.

Hard sand may be used for roadways and pedestrian or horse traffic. It is commonly used as a secondary surface for baseball and softball (along the pathways between bases).

Compaction or hardening creates the firm walking surface. The same sand left loose and irregular would have the separate soft sand meaning.