This particular hillside isn’t in a preservation area or even an area that ought to be. It’s literally just lawn grass on a steep slope for the most part. If there were enough people taking the shortcut to cause problematic erosion, a desire path would be the first warning sign, and there isn’t one.
If the local authority thought it was a problem - the grass is mowed occasionally, so they keep an eye on it - I’m sure they’d put up signs threatening a fine for anyone cheating.
As stated elsewhere, switchbacks help prevent erosion, never cut switchbacks, always follow the trail.
This particular hillside isn’t in a preservation area or even an area that ought to be. It’s literally just lawn grass on a steep slope for the most part. If there were enough people taking the shortcut to cause problematic erosion, a desire path would be the first warning sign, and there isn’t one.
If the local authority thought it was a problem - the grass is mowed occasionally, so they keep an eye on it - I’m sure they’d put up signs threatening a fine for anyone cheating.
That said, I will bear what you’ve said in mind.