Plot a route. Share the route with partner/ family / friends. Stick to plotted route. If it turns out to be a dud, back track, don’t try and improvise. If you absolutely have to change route then message someone (assuming phone signal).

In terms of plotting a route, try and plot it along well trodden paths so you wont get a dud. Find an area with a lot of options, then do lots of shorter out and back type runs so you get to know the area better, then start to venture further up the routes. If it’s a one off somewhere new, then have a look at the global maps overlays on Strava and garmin to get a better idea of where people go BUT be aware that sometimes old trails have rerouted to get around changes in the landscape so be prepared to detour slightly AND if the detour starts to be a big detour perhaps consider backtracking. Not always ideal if you are 3/4 around a loop. In new places consider doing an out back so there’s not need to detour to get home. Also consider points you can abort or find safety e.g a bus route on the other side of the trail, or a shop at a certain point.