So, I just started a new game the other day, one of many that I've done lately, and decided to go through the whole introduction sequence where you're in the carriage going to Helgen. I just ran up to and inside Helgen for the first time ever and ran around the wreckage exploring, and then I decided to go up the path that the carriage comes by to get there. Did you know that, literally, along the path that carriage takes to Helgen goes right by a Stormcloak camp? It's not even hidden. There's a clear path up a small hill from the road that leads right into it. For some reason, I find that really funny. Considering that the supposed battle that landed you in the cart to begin with was along the border of Skyrim, and that road is not really near the border at all, so that can't be the place you were ambushed or whatever... and so, maybe those 'cloaks were drunk or something and sleeping on the job, because if they were actually awake and, you know, fighting a rebellion and all, they'd see a bunch of captured Stormcloaks that also happened to include their leader.

Anyway, just thought I'd share.

There are two paths that lead out from Helgen in that direction, I'm sure that the one the cart comes down is the other one. The more winding one.

Yea I think you come down the other path but I'm not sure. I haven't went through that in a very very long time.

At the start if I decide to head to High Hrothgar I always head that way to Ivarstead. It is a heck of a lot quicker than heading north around the mountain.

Even if it is the other path, it's still not like it's that far away from the camp.