Crossword Genius

Round a lake, relaid paths with this, perhaps (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

asphalt

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'this perhaps' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'round a lake relaid paths' is the wordplay.
'round' is an insertion indicator.
'lake' becomes 'L' (geographical abbreviation).
'relaid' is an anagram indicator (letters laid again).
'a'+'l'='al'
'paths' with letters rearranged gives 'aspht'.
'al' placed into 'aspht' is 'ASPHALT'.

'with' acts as a link.

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(Other definitions for asphalt that I've seen before include "Bituminous substance used for roofs and roads" , "Material for road surfacing etc" , "Road surface material" , "Bituminous substance used in building" , "Road-building material" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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