My old boy has a map in his head of all the lanes around here. We often let him choose the route - each time he takes us somewhere different circular route so it’s as though he leaves the yard with a plan in his head!
I periodically get lost exploring Salisbury Plain and have to invoke nag nav - Mads has never flailed to get us home using the most direct and efficient route.
Mine all know the hacking routes and would find their way back from where they were. I worked on a 25000 acre estate as a ride leader. I was given vague instructions as to where the route went and told ‘joe knows the way’ luckily he always did and even knew where he should be trotting & cantering!