Hi Dave..would have thought the gravally track would be a bit risky with it's loose surface you could take a tumble and gravel rash is very painful. If you have no alternative stick to the path.The cycle tracks round here (Leicester)have broken glass strewn all over them. Not much help to you I suppose because I know you said the roads are to busy near you....I use main roads as my primary route especially when it's dark, they are well lit and most are dual carriageways with very wide grassed central reservations or grass areas to the side and are not to busy after the rush-hour. Good luck....don't do to much to soon.
