trodden

This term carries a strong sense of physical compression and wear. When used as an adjective, it typically describes a path or surface that has become permanent or distinct due to repeated use, often evoking a feeling of familiarity or a well-established route.

In a figurative sense, it appears in the common expression "the well-trodden path," which refers to a conventional or predictable way of doing things. Using this word instead of "walked on" emphasizes the resulting state of the ground—flattened and worn—rather than just the act of walking.