Trace SKIN across the short four-cell route
Trace SKIN through 1 at row 4, column 4; 2 at row 4, column 5; 3 at row 4, column 6; 4 at row 5, column 6. The letters read S → K → I → N in that order, covering two rows and three columns without leaving the chain.
The route moves right twice before turning down for its final letter. That produces one turn and two straight segments. Both its starting and ending cells have two open orthogonal neighbors in the unassigned board, and two of the route’s cells sit on an edge. Once these four cells are assigned, 26 open cells remain for the longer answers.