One of the reasons I like using a GPS with a paper map, and have a somewhat lesser focus on using a magnetic compass, is that in many midwest, forested and wetland areas it becomes almost impossible to walk a straight line compass bearing (or is that an azimuth?). I fully suspect that the same thing happens in not-so-flat terrain.
Nearly all of my hiking has occurred in not-so-flat terrain which i relish. Walking in a straight line if often (usually) irrelevant.
You need to figure out the best route from A to B and that is where to topo map is a huge benefit, indicating where cliffs are present, the possible location of waterfalls and similar obstacles.
As a rule of thumb where I travel most, going uphill, you follow the ridges; going down, take to the valleys and canyons. There is also the question of the vegetation you must penetrate, which will often influence your decision.
All in all, the best route is rarely a straight line, following a compass heading.
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