One of my first solo trips was a bushwack and an education.  Constantly off course by 10s of degrees.

Bushwacking sucks for tripping. 
It's fun when you don't have a pack on your back and don't need to find a place to camp.

Definitely something to scout before hauling.  Do a day hike, pack a lunch, enjoy the walk.

Brush up on your map & compass skills.  A GPS is great for telling you where you are.  It doesn't replace map & compass skill.  Very easy to get turned around once there aren't any lakes or visible landmarks.