These would not be possible as the terrain in the area is quite rugged
I would have thought the same from my own history in the area as a lad.
However, considering that the gravel overlays would have been removed for roadworks over the years, it looks not too bad a degraded surface from the Google image. Either way, my interest is heightened sufficiently to have a looksee on the way north this month ... If it were a strip, there will be tell tale signs like at so many other abandoned strips ...