Long-distance walking routes like the Camino de Santiago or the Via Francigena are more popular than ever. In 2024, a record 499,239 pilgrims received their Compostela certificates from the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago de Compostela, the highest number ever recorded. That is a big jump from the 446,082 certificates in 2023 and 438,307 in 2022, showing just how much the Camino continues to inspire people around the world. And honestly, we get it! It is a stunning trail and the whole WAW team is a little bit in love with it. In fact, the Camino is the reason WAW.travel even exists in the first place. One trend we keep seeing is that more and more people are trading in fast paced sightseeing trips for the slower rhythm of a walking holiday, moving one step at a time through nature, villages, and history. But behind every memorable walking trip lies one essential ingredient: preparation. While the idea of simply lacing up your shoes and heading out sounds romantic, first time walkers often run into challenges that could easily be avoided. My very first long distance hike was the Camino Francés, and let’s just say… I learned a lot the hard way. So in this article, we’ll go through some of the most common walking mistakes beginners make and how to avoid them so you can truly enjoy the journey. Walking may seem simple, after all, most of us do it every day without thinking. But going on a multi day walking trip is something else entirely. It is not just about putting one foot in front of the other. It takes some planning, the right mindset, and a bit of awareness to make it enjoyable. Skipping the prep can lead to painful blisters, unexpected costs, and moments of real frustration. With a little forethought, you can avoid the common traps that catch many first time walkers and make sure your journey stays fun, safe, and rewarding. When it comes to long distance walking, it is completely normal to make a few mistakes in the beginning. Some of them are small and just mildly annoying. Others can ruin your day or even your whole trip. In this section, we break down ten of the most common walking mistakes beginners make. For each one, we explain what typically goes wrong and, most importantly, how to avoid it. That way, you can walk more comfortably, confidently, and with a lot fewer surprises along the way. This is one of the most classic walking mistakes beginners make. You want to be prepared for every possible situation — rain, sun, cold, hunger, boredom — so you fill your backpack with clothes, snacks, gadgets, and just in case items. But after a few kilometers, that heavy pack starts to feel like a punishment. I always think I am a good packer, but right now I am travelling and once again I realise I did not learn from my own mistakes. Half of what I brought I am not using. I packed way too many warm clothes and of course, they are the heaviest. No going back now, so please learn from my mistake. What often happens is that the extra weight causes back pain, sore shoulders, or even knee problems. It slows you down and makes the walk far less enjoyable than it should be. As a general rule, the total weight of your backpack should not exceed around 15 to 20 percent of your body weight. Any more than that and you are likely to feel it within the first few hours. Some tips: unless you are bringing a small journal to use every day, leave physical books at home. Bring an e-reader or download something on your phone. And remember, if you are walking a popular route, you can usually buy basic supplies on the way. No need to prepare for absolutely everything. Overpacking is one of the easiest walking mistakes beginners make, and thankfully, one of the easiest to fix. How to avoid it: Lay out everything you want to bring, then remove at least a third. Choose lightweight, quick drying clothes and skip the what if extras. If your trip includes luggage transport, use it. And yes, we provide that here at WAW.travel! You only need the essentials in your daypack. It might be tempting to buy fresh hiking shoes right before your trip, but this is one of the most painful walking mistakes beginners make. New shoes, no matter how high quality, need time to adapt to your feet. Without that break-in period, blisters are almost guaranteed. What often happens is that people develop sore spots or even wounds by the end of the first day, making every step after that uncomfortable or even unbearable. You might end up limping through a trail you were supposed to enjoy. We actually wrote a full post on what shoes are best for the Camino and other long distance walks — it is worth checking out if you are unsure what to buy! How to avoid it: Start walking in your shoes at least a few weeks before your trip. Wear them on daily walks, errands, or short hikes to break them in. Your feet will thank you later. Avoiding this is one of the simplest ways to sidestep one of the most painful walking mistakes beginners make. One of the walking mistakes beginners make is assuming the weather will simply stay nice. But even on a well marked trail, one day of heavy rain, strong wind, or unexpected heat can completely change your experience. Wet feet, sunburn, or shivering through a mountain pass are not exactly the memories you want to take home. How to avoid it: Always check the weather forecast the night before each walking day. Bring a lightweight rain jacket and a warm extra layer in your daypack, even if the morning looks clear. And if the forecast looks dangerous, be flexible. It is okay to start later, take a shorter route, or even stay put for a day. Planning ahead for changing conditions is a simple way to avoid one of the most common walking mistakes beginners make. You do not need to be an athlete to enjoy a long distance walk, but a complete lack of training is one of the biggest walking mistakes beginners make. Walking sounds easy (and it is!) but doing it for several hours a day, several days in a row, is a different story. Your body needs time to adjust to that kind of rhythm. Sometimes people struggle with muscle soreness, foot pain, or even small injuries early in the trip. It can turn something beautiful into something exhausting. How to avoid it: In the weeks before your trip, start going for longer walks. Try to walk on varied terrain with the shoes and daypack you plan to use. Even two or three walks per week can make a big difference in how strong and prepared you feel on the trail — and help you avoid one of the most preventable walking mistakes beginners make. Read our detailed guide on how to train for your pilgrimage! Not all walking trails are flat and easy. One of the surprises for beginners is how much the terrain can vary, even on popular routes. A stage might look short on paper, but if it includes steep climbs, loose gravel, rocky paths, or sections exposed to the sun, it can feel twice as long. One of the common walking mistakes beginners make is underestimating how these physical elements can affect your pace and energy. What often happens is that walkers get tired faster than expected, run out of water, or simply lose motivation because they were not mentally prepared for the challenge. How to avoid it: Read route descriptions carefully and do not judge a stage just by the number of kilometers. Check for elevation gain and terrain type. And always carry enough water, sun protection, and snacks to keep your energy up and your mood steady. This might be one of the walking mistakes beginners make, but honestly, I am still guilty of it myself! I know I should take better care of my feet during multi day walks, but I often forget or just feel too lazy to do it in the moment. And then of course, I regret it. Ignoring your feet can lead to blisters, cracked skin, or pressure points that get worse day by day. Once your feet are in bad shape, even the most beautiful trail is hard to enjoy. How to avoid it: Clean and dry your feet every evening. Change your socks during the day if they get damp. Use foot cream or balm if your skin feels dry. And if you feel a hot spot forming, stop and deal with it early. Foot care may seem like a small detail, but neglecting it is one of the most underestimated walking mistakes beginners make. One of the walking mistakes beginners make is thinking that hydration is only important in hot weather. But even on cool or cloudy days, your body loses a lot of fluid while walking, especially on longer or more strenuous routes. What often happens is that people only drink when they feel thirsty, which is usually too late. Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, muscle cramps, and even affect your mood and focus on the trail. One thing I find really handy is using a water reservoir with a tube you can sip from while walking. I used to be too lazy to take off my backpack just to drink, but now I hydrate way more because it is so easy and always within reach. Avoiding dehydration is one of the simplest walking mistakes beginners make to get right, and it makes a huge difference! How to avoid it: Start drinking water early in the day and take small sips regularly, not just during breaks. Carry at least one and a half liters of water, and more if you are walking in the sun or in remote areas. Adding a pinch of salt or using electrolyte tablets can also help if you sweat a lot. Staying hydrated is one of the most effective ways to avoid one of the most overlooked walking mistakes beginners make. One of the walking mistakes beginners make is assuming they will just figure out where to sleep along the way. On quiet trails that might work, but on popular routes like the Camino de Santiago, this can quickly turn into a stressful situation. We even wrote a whole post on when to book your Camino because it is such a common question. What happens is that people arrive late in the day, tired and hopeful, only to find everything is full. Then the only options left are expensive, far away, or not ideal — or in the worst case, not available at all. How to avoid it: If you are walking a popular route, book your accommodation in advance, at least during high season. When you go on an organized Camino trip with us, this is all arranged for you. But even then, it is important to book your trip early because spots fill up fast. Planning ahead means less stress, better locations, and more energy for what matters: the walk itself! It is easy to underestimate how far 20 or even 15 kilometers really feels when you are carrying a pack and doing it day after day. One of the walking mistakes beginners make is assuming they can just push through because they are motivated. But overestimating your limits often leads to exhaustion, soreness, or even injury. People plan long days thinking it will give them more time to explore later. Instead, they end up limping into town, too tired to enjoy dinner or take a walk around the village. How to avoid it: Start gently, especially in the first few days. Give your body time to adapt. It is better to arrive with energy left than to crawl into bed too tired to move. Remember, this is not a race! You are going to get stronger and stronger day by day. Some walkers feel like they have to do everything alone. But one of the quiet walking mistakes beginners make is not asking for help when they need it. Whether it is a sore knee, a confusing trail sign, a missing bus, or just a moment of feeling overwhelmed, trying to push through in silence can make things worse. Sometimes beginners feel embarrassed or think they are the only ones struggling. But the truth is, most people on the trail are kind, helpful, and often walking for similar reasons. How to avoid it: If something feels wrong, speak up. Ask another walker, talk to your host, or message your trip organizer. (We have an emergency phone, so if you walk with WAW.travel, you can reach us 24/7 in case something serious happens!) Walking routes are full of experienced people and friendly locals who are happy to help. You are not alone out there. To wrap it all up, here are a few extra insights to help avoid some of the walking mistakes beginners make. Once you have your backpack packed, your route planned, and your feet ready to go, it is often the small details that can make a big difference in your day. Here are a few suggestions from our previous blog posts that might be especially helpful if you are just starting out: At the end of the day, walking is not just about ticking off kilometers or reaching the next town. It is about being present: noticing the sounds, the smells, the wind, the quiet. The beauty of a long walk lies in its slowness, in the rhythm of your steps, and the space it creates for reflection. Yes, there will be moments when things do not go perfectly. You might forget something, walk too far, or make one of the walking mistakes beginners make. But that is okay! Every step teaches you something, and the real gift of walking is the experience itself, not perfection. So take your time, listen to your body, and enjoy the journey. And of course, if you have any more questions about walking mistakes beginners make, send us an e-mail at hey@waw.travel!Why Walking Preparation Matters
The 10 Walking Mistakes Beginners Make (and Solutions)
1. Overpacking Your Backpack
2. Wearing New Shoes on the Trail
3. Ignoring Weather Forecasts
4. Not Training Before the Walk
5. Underestimating the Terrain
6. Skipping Foot Care Routines
7. Not Staying Hydrated
8. Failing to Plan Accommodation Ahead
9. Being Overambitious with Daily Distances
10. Not Asking for Help When Needed
Bonus Tips for First-Time Walkers
Enjoy the Journey, Not Just the Destination
10 Mistakes First-Time Walkers Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Jul 30, 2025
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