The angle that the tracks join Hollyhedge is less than ideal especially heading East - West, unless of course you use the farcility adn attempt to join a traffic flow that is now essentially behind you - the lane is also narrowed by actions of motorists trying to keep the offside wheels to the left of the outside track.
The tramline section can be cut out entirely using the estate and the underpass that links Heybrook Road to Greenwood Road, I've only used it in the day, not sure what the estate is like after dark.
Heading east west: turn right outside the college onto Brownley Rd, left longhey road, right wood house lane, left overton road, right newhey road, left through cut through onto alders, left on greenwood, right through underpass, and pick up Blackcarr/ Bowland road as required. TBH if its anything like busy times progress will probably be quicker through the estate and much more suited to a novice, usual caveats regarding tyres and underpasses apply.
Not sure where where you're going but worth knowing that shady lane through Roundthorn Industrial Estate can be very useful for avoiding Southmoor and likewise the bridge over the railway off Royal Oak Road.
