We clearly want to walk there

The main path up and down the campus wiggles a bit - and as a result most of us, when the outdoor gym is not being used, march straight across this bit which is looking the driest I think I've ever seen it. During a new building project by the path about 10 years ago, this bit was part of the temporary path and is more renowned for being waterlogged or muddy.

I've noticed similar "path of desire" places looking like this.