In other words, sometimes God will purposefully give us a false answer through the Spirit just so we can know for sure that it is actually the wrong answer when it doesn't work out. I mean thankfully the wrong path in the story did not endanger them, but sometimes we feel guided to "wrong paths" that do cause us harm. Were those orchestrated by the Spirit too?
Also, aren't we supposed to doubt our doubts and have faith? The Spirit clearly indicated to Holland and his son the way they should go. Why didn't they have faith enough to continue forward on the path? If the Spirit told them to go that way, isn't it likely that there was a reason? Maybe a person who needed help was just ahead, and they missed it in their haste to turn around. If the Spirit really told them to go the wrong way, does this mean we are not only allowed to, but should question promptings of the Spirit when we are presented with new information?
How does this work if God is not the "author of confusion, but of peace"?(1 Cor 14:33)
Both Holland and his son were certain that they were inspired by the Spirit which path was the right one. To me the explanations as to why they were inspired to go down the wrong road are limited to this: either Holland missed something, or God intentionally confused him. Either there was a poor soul a little further down the road whom Holland could have helped, but missed, or God used confusion to try and teach a lesson.
I think the real answer, Ladies and Gentlemen, is that often the things we attribute to a holy, whispering being are really just our own thoughts and feelings.
Radio Free Mormon's podcast #13 shares many more incites on this video.
-J.