Make yourself very aware of features beyond your planned turning/check point. Check how long it might take to get to it- then if you miss it and come upon the 'river' or 'railway' past your point, you'll not only know where you are ish, but almost exactly how far past it you are. It's called map study, and not enough people do it in my view.
Similarly, use the map to tell you what you ought to see and when- water tower should be at 3 0'clock at around 9 mins - put a circle around them with the time. Every little helps.