The ways of one's ancestors, might one say? (6)
I believe the answer is:
routes
'the ways' is the definition.
(route is a kind of way)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for routes that I've seen before include "passages" , "Ways, courses, journeys" , "See 16" , "Ways to go, itineraries" , "Courses travelled" .)