Wolf Spiders are the common name for the Lycosidae family of spiders. It's not very clear in these photos, but they have eight eyes arranged in three rows. They don't catch prey in webs, but hunt them down, running rapidly along the ground. This one was found on the path near the house.
As with many insects, there are many species within this family. This particular one is probably Alopecosa Pulverulenta characterised by the dark colour, with a wide pale band down its back.
