byway

plural byways · alternative by-way · alternative byeway

1. A road or track not following a main route; a secondary or minor road or path.

   Near-synonyms: back road, back street, back lane

   1 more example

   Although some of its individuality has been lost, this railway byway in North Essex still retains its charm, and is well worthy of exploration by railway enthusiasts.

   1960 April 28, “Colne Valley Centenary”, in Railway Magazine, page 224

   Synonyms: back road, back street, back lane

2. A road that is not frequently travelled.
3. broadlya little-known or arcane field of study or detail.

   Though his account of written communication over the past 5,000 years necessarily has a powerful forward momentum, his diversions down the fascinating byways of the subject are irresistible ...

   2013 September 14, Jane Shilling, “The Golden Thread: the Story of Writing, by Ewan Clayton, review [print edition: Illuminating language]”, in The Daily Telegraph (Review), page R29