Boromir and his search for Rivendell

[Rumil]

Ah, found the quote I was looking for-

The only path was marked with white stones, some of which were small, and others were half covered with moss or heather. Altogether it was a very slow business following the track, even guided by Gandalf, who seemed to know his way about pretty well.

Tea-time had long gone by

steep zig-zag path into the secret valley

and of course the classic line

'Hmmm! it smells like elves' thought Bilbo

Followed by much in the way of tra-la-la-lallying.

Note the 'secret valley' - Is it secret? Is it safe?