Doing the Way of St. James is a unique and enriching experience with which many people disconnect from their lives. A millenary spiritual enrichment that some face without being well prepared. This can make the adventure unforgettable for the wrong reasons. That’s why we’ve created this guide for novice pilgrims with the most common mistakes on the Way of St. James.

Not being physically prepared

One of the most common failures among beginners is underestimating the physical demands of the pilgrimage. Many believe that they will be able to adapt as they go along and do not prepare adequately before starting the walk.

To avoid this, you should only train in the months leading up to your trip. Go out and walk progressively longer distances in the shoes you will wear on the Way. This way, you will get your body used to this type of exercise. If you still have doubts, you can always seek a professional opinion from a trainer.

Carrying a backpack that is too heavy

The “just in case” is a common mistake. Many pilgrims carry a backpack overloaded with things they don’t really need, which ends up becoming a burden that hinders the walk and can cause back or knee pain.

The general rule is that your backpack should not exceed 10% of your body weight. Take only the essentials, such as light clothing, appropriate footwear, toiletries, a bottle of water and your pilgrim’s credential. Remember that in the hostels you can wash clothes and find other items.

New footwear during the Camino

Nothing ruins the experience faster than blisters on your feet. Many people buy new boots or sneakers and wear them directly on the Way, which can cause chafing, sores and a lot of pain.

Want to avoid this? Buy your shoes in advance and wear them several times on your training walks. This way you make sure that they are adapted to your foot and will not give you unpleasant surprises. Also, wear technical socks without seams and use Vaseline or special dressings for chafing.

Failure to hydrate and nourish yourself properly

The physical toll of this adventure is considerable, especially if you hike long distances on hot days. Many novices do not drink enough water or neglect their nutrition, which can lead to fatigue, dehydration and cramps.

That’s why you should always carry a bottle of water and sip regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Eat foods that provide energy, such as nuts, fruit, bread or energy bars. Take advantage of meals in hostels or villages to recover with typical dishes of the area, such as Galician octopus á feira.

Trying to cover too many kilometers per day

Excitement and the desire to move forward lead many novice pilgrims to walk excessive distances in a single day, which ends up taking its toll on the body. Accumulated fatigue can lead to injury or physical and mental exhaustion.

Plan realistic stages according to your condition. The Way is not a race: the important thing is to enjoy it. An average of 20-25 kilometers per day is usually a good option. Listen to your body and, if you need to rest, do so.

Not taking proper care of your feet

The feet are the main instrument of the pilgrim, but they often don’t get the care they deserve. If you ignore minor discomforts, blisters, cuts and even infections will appear.

So, you should spend a few minutes every day checking that your feet are in good condition. Wash them with cold water at the end of the stage, dry them well, apply moisturizer and let them breathe without shoes. If you feel any chafing, treat the problem immediately before it gets worse.

Not being informed about the routes and stages

Some pilgrims start their odyssey without knowing the stages, rest points or accommodations on the Camino. This can cause them to walk for a long time without finding a place to eat or sleep.

Before leaving, find out about the route you are going to choose. There are many guides to the Way of St. James with maps, stages and recommendations depending on your physical condition and your preferences regarding the length of the trip.

Forgetting to enjoy the moment

Sometimes, novices become obsessed with getting to their destination quickly and forget the most important part of this experience: enjoying the journey. The Way of St. James is much more than a walk, it is a unique journey in which to grow on a personal level and discover new landscapes and cultures.

For that, we recommend that you walk at your own pace, without rushing. Have fun observing the surroundings, chat with other pilgrims and live each stage. Stop to admire the villages you pass through, taste their traditional food or rest in the shade of a tree.

Way of St. James is a physical and personal challenge that leaves an indelible mark on those who walk it. If you avoid these mistakes, you will have an enchanting trip that you will never forget, this time for the right reasons.