Moondog55 wrote: a map and compass can only do so much when you have no point of reference
Map and compass need to be used before you need them.
At the start of your walk ... mark the map where you started from and the time.
After some time .. use the compass to find the rough direction of travel.
After an hour use map and compass to check where you are .. should be ~2km in the direction of travel you noted.
Use landmarks to triangulate where you are and check your estimate to triangulated location.
Continue doing that and you'll get better at it.
GPS ... turn it on and enable track recording. You now have a breadcrumb trail to follow home... if your batteries don't go flat.
The GPS is much easier .. but if it goes out you still need map and compass skills.
Best to keep an eye on your location from time to time no matter which thing your using. This helps you in determining where you'll stop, or turn back for that trip.