Is there a shortcut back?

So, I've made it to the big abandoned village (31°W 35°S) and my main gaol is to get back to the dock area (51°W 19°S). I could have sworn there was a shortcut to get back to the oasis through the SOA area but I can't find it. am I losing it? does anyone know any shortcuts to speed up my journey? I really don't want to go all the way around to the airfield and shit.