An idiom referring to taking a longer route to a specific target or goal, instead of the shortest.

Comments:

Scenic Route is usually a somewhat derogatory term on what should be avoided.

Scenic Route basically means breaking the Economy of Motion principle.

In certain contexts, Scenic Route can also refer to a goal rather than a physical route.

Although taking "the Scenic Route" is almost always discouraged, one may find that it is the only way to achieve the goal of the strategy being applied to the scenario. In this context, the term purposeful vs compelled usually come into play.

Derivation:

Scenic Route gets its name from the similar layman's idiom somewhat meaning to take the long route.

Related Definition(s):

Compel, Move, Purposeful

Related Term(s):

Combat Effectiveness, Continuity of Motion, Economy of Motion, Practical Kenpo