A course of action that is morally inferior, dishonorable, or unscrupulous, chosen instead of a more ethical or honorable alternative (often contrasted with 'the high road').
2.
ScotlandUKliteralregional
A lower or more direct physical route or pathway, especially one that follows low-lying ground rather than higher or more elevated terrain; used in literal and dialectal contexts (for example, in traditional songs and place descriptions).