Find the way

Is it a literal question, or an existential one?

Peel away the miles
slice the kilometers
Smooth down the byways
Cut out everything that deters.

Hammer at the distance
Nail the location
Fasten on the right road
Have a great vacation!

Gallop across the fields
Jump over each hurdle
Trot to your holiday home
Once you've solved this riddle

Calculate the length
Divide by the speed
Add a few detours
Aha - where does it lead?

Cooks, carpenters, jockeys,
Mathematical geniuses
Would find the destination
Short of three guesses.

This way, that way,
Over, under, through
Follow the directions
You'll get there too!