Many times you can get away with it and keep moving briskly. Once in awhile, however ...
There are occasional places where relocation in an acceptable period of time is almost not an option. Pawtuckaway night O can trip one up til a path or wall, maybe a pond says "here we are". Harris center woods can leave one feeling pretty miserable when out of touch. East Poestenskill woods can leave one feeling pretty unskillful in places. And then developing panic can cause 'loss of vision'...which trumps all.
"Stay in touch, it don't take much.
But sometimes a wing and a prayer will get one there."
Famous coach description of Pawtuckaway O boiled down to "run in the right direction for awhile....and...voila"