Its 40mumble years since I flew a glider but it really is simple.
You fly with a map on your lap and keep constant tabs on your location, not difficult at the slow speeds involved.
When you start going in circles it gets easier - the same landmarks keep coming around.
VFR in a powered aircraft is no harder. you should have the ground always in sight and an OS map or drivers atlas is often better for maintaining situational awareness than aviation charts. You are never far fron roads, railways and other significant clues, these are the things you should have planned to use before departure and kept a constant eye on.
Charts keep you clear of hazards, maps tell you where you are.