diff --git a/drf_spectacular/plumbing.py b/drf_spectacular/plumbing.py
index 71c2cdde..face6f79 100644
--- a/drf_spectacular/plumbing.py
+++ b/drf_spectacular/plumbing.py
@@ -199,7 +199,9 @@ def build_parameter_type(
         explode=None,
         style=None
 ):
-    irrelevant_field_meta = ['readOnly', 'writeOnly', 'nullable', 'default']
+    irrelevant_field_meta = ['readOnly', 'writeOnly']
+    if location == OpenApiParameter.PATH:
+        irrelevant_field_meta += ['nullable', 'default']
     schema = {
         'in': location,
         'name': name,
diff --git a/tests/test_extend_schema.yml b/tests/test_extend_schema.yml
index abb463a1..82d0ce91 100644
--- a/tests/test_extend_schema.yml
+++ b/tests/test_extend_schema.yml
@@ -231,6 +231,8 @@ paths:
             - a
             - b
             type: string
+          default:
+          - a
       - in: query
         name: stars
         schema: