This recent article in the New York times describes research into why hikers who get lost feel as though they have been walking in circles. It’s because they actually are. As long as hikers can fix on the sun, moon, or objects in the landscape they can keep more or less to a straight line. However, on cloudy days or when there are no landmarks it is very easy people to start looping in circles.
To avoid this problem, the article recomments using a compass or GPS. Another way is to pick a tree or landmark and head directly to it. Finally, if you are hopelessly lost you shold just sit down and wait for rescuers so that you don’t make your situation any worse!
Photo from the Bibliotheque de Toulouse via the Flickr Digital Commons