The Northern Checkpoint in Lesser Zone makes a good starting point - aim northwest through Garbage and follow the spray-painted markers on concrete chunks to stay on track. Moving during daylight gives you better visibility, and always keep that detector running since emission patterns are nasty in this area. The trade routes maintained by veteran stalkers offer decent protection, but keep your radiation meds ready and watch your suit condition since those factory areas leak pretty bad. Watch for the big rusted train cars with those weird vines growing over them and hang left, then you'll spot a fallen overpass that creates a tight spot - move through quickly.

When you see those blue chemical barrels, circle south to avoid the active anomaly field nearby. Definitely stay clear of those darker spots where bloodsuckers like to nest, and if you hear gunfire in the distance just let the merc groups handle whatever's happening out there. Once you spot Freedom's yellow-blue banners, you're almost there, but make your approach obvious with weapons down when the guards challenge you at the final post. Try to time your arrival before sunset though, since those automated defenses kick in after dark.