50 Common Hiking Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
We all make mistakes. It’s how we learn from them that matters. But make the wrong mistake out on the trail and, aside from being embarrassing, it can also be dangerous.
I’ll give you a real example.
It must be 20+ years ago now — probably more — but I was a complete hiking newbie. Adventurous and curious, yes. Experienced? Definitely not.
Some friends invited me to climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Of course, I said yes.
The mistakes started before I'd even left home.
I left all the planning and route preparation to my friend because I assumed he knew what he was doing. I took one sandwich and one litre of water, with absolutely no idea how long we'd be out. And because it was summer and a pleasant day down in the valley, I wore a T-shirt and jeans.
You can probably see where this is going.
I had no idea just how quickly mountain weather could change — or how different the conditions could be higher up. During that climb I experienced what felt like four seasons in one day. I got soaked to the skin, I was freezing cold and I had very little food or drink with me.
Oh, and the friend I'd trusted to know what he was doing?
He had all the right hiking kit. He just hadn't told me!
Some friend.
That day taught me a lot: respect the mountain, check the weather, know your route, carry enough food and water and take responsibility for your own preparation.
I've made plenty more mistakes since then — although thankfully not quite so many on the same day!
So, whether you're just getting started or you've already got plenty of miles in your boots, here are 50 common hiking mistakes — and how to avoid them.ON!
ACTION!
Before you read on, how many mistakes can you spot in my Snowdon story?
Keep count — then see how many appear in the list below.
1 Not planning your route properly
Don’t just pick a walk because the photos look good. Check the distance, elevation gain, terrain, expected walking time and where you can safely shorten or leave the route if necessary. Download the route for offline use and make sure you know where you’re starting and finishing.
2 Carrying too much
It’s tempting to pack for every eventuality, but you’ll feel every unnecessary kilogram after a few hours. Carry what you need for the route, weather and conditions — but don’t strip out essential safety kit just to save weight.
3 Choosing a hike beyond your current fitness
There’s nothing wrong with challenging yourself — that’s half the fun — but build up gradually. Distance is only part of the equation: elevation, terrain, weather and the weight of your rucksack can make a relatively short hike surprisingly tough.
4 Wearing the wrong footwear
You don’t necessarily need big hiking boots for every walk, but you do need footwear that suits the terrain, fits properly and has adequate grip. And whatever you do, don’t make a long hike the first outing for a brand-new pair.
5 Underestimating the weather
This was one of my big Snowdon mistakes! Check the forecast before setting off, but remember that conditions can change quickly — particularly in the hills and mountains. Carry appropriate layers and waterproofs even when the weather looks promising at the start.
6 Relying entirely on your phone for navigation
Navigation apps are brilliant — I use them myself — but download your route before setting off and make sure your phone is charged. On more remote or mountainous walks, carry an appropriate backup such as a paper map and compass, and know how to use them.
7 Not telling anyone where you’re going
Especially when walking alone, let somebody know your planned route, where you’re starting from and roughly when you expect to finish. And remember to tell them when you're safely back — otherwise you may accidentally launch a search party from the pub.
8 Setting off too fast
It’s very easy to charge off feeling fresh and pay for it later. Start at a comfortable pace, allow your body to warm up naturally and save some energy for the final few kilometres — particularly on a long-distance walk.
9 Not carrying enough water
Work out roughly how much you'll need before setting off and consider whether there are reliable places to refill along the route. Drink regularly rather than waiting until you're desperately thirsty, and remember that you may need considerably more in hot weather.
10 Poor trail etiquette
Share the trail considerately. Give other walkers space, keep dogs under control where required, take your litter home and follow local signs and restrictions. In the UK, the Countryside Code is a good starting point for understanding how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
11 Not following the Countryside Code
Enjoying the outdoors comes with a responsibility to look after it. Take your litter home, leave gates as you find them, respect livestock and wildlife, stick to access rules and leave places as you’d hope to find them. You can find more about the Countryside Code on my Resources page.
12 Not taking enough food
Walking burns through energy surprisingly quickly, particularly on longer or hillier routes. Take enough food for the planned walk plus a little extra in case you're out longer than expected. I normally carry a mixture of proper food and easy-to-eat snacks that I can reach without unpacking half my rucksack.
13 Underestimating how long a hike will take
Ten miles on a flat path and ten miles in the mountains are very different propositions. Allow for ascent, difficult terrain, rest stops, navigation, photos and the inevitable “how is there another hill?” moment. Also know what time it gets dark and plan accordingly.
14 Carrying no first-aid kit
You don't need to carry an entire hospital around in your rucksack, but a small first-aid kit should be part of your regular hiking gear. Plasters, blister treatment, dressings and a few basic essentials can make a big difference when something goes wrong.
15 Forgetting about daylight
Particularly in autumn and winter, it's surprisingly easy to run out of daylight. Check sunset time, give yourself a sensible margin and carry a headtorch if there's any chance you'll still be walking as darkness approaches.
16 Not carrying a power bank
Navigation, photographs and poor mobile signal can hammer your phone battery. On longer walks I carry a charged power bank and cable — but remember that extra battery life isn't a substitute for having a navigation backup.
17 Ignoring what your body is telling you
There’s a difference between pushing yourself through a tough section and ignoring a genuine problem. Pain, dizziness, unusual fatigue or feeling unwell are reasons to stop and reassess. Turning around isn't failure — sometimes it's the sensible hiking decision.
18 Not having an escape plan
Before a longer or more remote walk, know where you could shorten the route or get off the trail if the weather deteriorates, somebody gets injured or you're simply taking much longer than expected. I've learned the value of this one the hard way on challenge walks!
19 Forgetting sun protection
Don't be fooled by cloud, wind or cooler temperatures. You can still burn surprisingly quickly, particularly when you're exposed for hours or walking at altitude. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat can be just as important as waterproofs.
20 Not checking access, closures or restrictions before you leave
A route on an app isn't a guarantee that everything will be accessible when you arrive. Paths can be diverted or closed, car parks can shut, and temporary restrictions may be in place. A quick check before leaving home can save a lot of grief.
21 Ignoring trail signs and markers
Even when you’re following a route on your phone, pay attention to signs, waymarkers and landmarks around you. If what you’re seeing on the ground doesn’t match your route, stop and check rather than blindly carrying on.
22 Not dressing in layers
Weather and temperature can change considerably during a hike. Wearing several lighter layers allows you to add or remove clothing as conditions change, rather than relying on one heavy layer to keep you warm.
23 Forgetting about ticks and insects
Depending on where and when you’re walking, ticks, midges and other insects can be more than just annoying. Consider insect repellent, cover exposed skin where appropriate and check yourself for ticks after walking through long grass, woodland or vegetation.
24 Not taking breaks
You don’t have to wait until you’re exhausted before stopping. Short breaks give you an opportunity to eat, drink, adjust clothing or footwear and simply enjoy where you are. On longer hikes, sensible breaks can help you maintain your energy throughout the day.
25 Underestimating altitude
If you're heading into the high mountains, altitude adds a completely different challenge. Allow sufficient time to acclimatise, ascend gradually where possible and learn to recognise the symptoms of altitude sickness. Never try to simply push through worsening symptoms.
26 Not checking your gear before setting off
Check your essential kit before every significant hike. Make sure batteries are charged, waterproofs are actually waterproof, your first-aid kit is stocked and nothing important has been left behind. Finding out something doesn't work halfway up a mountain is a little late!
27 Assuming you can walk anywhere
Access rights and restrictions vary depending on where you're walking. Check the route beforehand, follow signs and diversions, respect private land and don't assume that a path shown on an app automatically gives you a right of access.
28 Not knowing what to do in an emergency
Think about what you'd actually do if you became lost, injured or unable to continue. Know how to give your location, carry appropriate emergency equipment and understand how to contact the emergency services or mountain rescue where you're walking.
29 Having no emergency information on your phone
Make sure your phone's emergency information is set up so essential contacts can be accessed if you're unable to use the phone yourself. It's a tiny bit of preparation that could become very important in an emergency.
30 Treating solo hiking exactly like a group hike
Walking alone can be brilliant, but it requires a little more self-reliance. Choose a route appropriate to your experience, tell somebody where you're going, carry the kit you need and be prepared to change your plans if conditions aren't right.
31 Carrying too much water — or too little
Water is heavy, but running out is considerably worse. Think about the distance, weather and reliable refill points before deciding how much to carry. If you plan to use natural water sources, make sure you have an appropriate way of treating the water before drinking it.
32 Ignoring severe weather warnings
Checking the forecast is one thing; knowing when not to go is another. If warnings are in place for strong winds, thunderstorms, extreme heat, snow or other hazardous conditions, be prepared to change your route, postpone the hike or abandon it altogether.
33 Wearing a badly fitted rucksack
A perfectly good rucksack can become miserable after several hours if it doesn’t fit properly. Adjust the shoulder straps, hip belt and chest strap so the load is comfortable and secure, and test it with some weight inside before taking it on a long hike.
34 Not looking after your feet
Your feet can make or break a hike. Wear suitable socks, deal with hot spots before they become blisters and stop if something starts rubbing. Five minutes spent sorting out your feet early can save hours of discomfort later.
35 Looking only at the distance
Distance alone tells you very little about how difficult a hike will be. Look at elevation gain, terrain, steepness and expected duration as well. A short mountain route can be considerably harder than a much longer walk on relatively flat ground.
36 Packing your rucksack badly
What you carry matters, but so does where you put it. Keep heavier items reasonably close to your back, balance the load and make frequently needed items such as waterproofs, snacks and navigation equipment easy to reach.
37 Underestimating river and stream crossings
A crossing that looks straightforward on a map may be very different after heavy rain. Never assume you can safely cross fast or deep water, and don't be afraid to turn back or find another route if conditions aren't right.
38 Not knowing where your route actually starts
It sounds obvious, but car parks, stations and trailheads aren't always where you expect them to be. Check exactly where you're starting, how you're getting there, parking arrangements and how you'll get back at the end — particularly on a linear walk.
39 Pressing on when you should turn back
Getting to the summit or finishing the planned route is never compulsory. If the weather deteriorates, you're running out of daylight, you've taken a wrong turn or something simply doesn't feel right, changing your plan can be the smartest decision you make all day.
40 Not studying the route before you start
Don't wait until you're standing at the trailhead to look properly at your route. Familiarise yourself with the main junctions, climbs, landmarks and potential escape points beforehand. You'll navigate more confidently and you're more likely to notice when you've gone wrong.
41 Using new gear for the first time on a big hike
New boots, a new rucksack or unfamiliar equipment should ideally be tested before you depend on it. Take new gear on a shorter walk first, learn how it works and make any adjustments while the consequences of getting it wrong are relatively minor.
42 Not carrying any identification
Carry some form of identification and make sure important emergency and medical information is accessible if needed. You can also set up emergency contacts and medical details on your phone so they can be accessed without unlocking it.
43 Ignoring changing trail conditions
A route you've walked before — or one that has great reviews online — may not be in the same condition today. Heavy rain, flooding, snow, fallen trees, erosion and maintenance work can all change a trail, so check for recent information where possible.
44 Trying to cover too much distance
It’s easy to be ambitious when planning from the comfort of your sofa. Be realistic about the distance you can comfortably cover given the elevation, terrain, weather and available daylight. Leave the monster distances for when you've built up to them.
45 Not carrying a headtorch
Even if you have every intention of finishing in daylight, delays happen. A small headtorch weighs very little and is far more useful than trying to navigate a dark trail using the torch on your phone.
46 Forgetting a waterproof layer
A sunny forecast doesn't necessarily mean you'll stay dry all day, particularly in the UK. A lightweight waterproof jacket is worth carrying when conditions could change, and in exposed or mountainous areas it can provide valuable protection from both rain and wind.
47 Following other walkers instead of your route
Seeing people ahead heading in a particular direction doesn't mean they're going where you're going — or that they know where they're going either. Keep checking your own route rather than assuming the crowd must be right.
48 Not allowing for the return journey
Reaching the summit, viewpoint or halfway point isn't the finish. Make sure you've allowed enough time, food, water and energy for the journey back — particularly when the return involves a long or steep descent.
49 Underestimating the mental challenge
Long and difficult hikes aren't purely physical. Tiredness, bad weather, seemingly endless climbs and setbacks can all affect your mood and decision-making. Breaking the route into smaller goals and keeping a positive but realistic mindset can make a big difference.
50 Forgetting to actually enjoy it
It's easy to become obsessed with distance, pace, summits, GPS stats and finishing times. Stop occasionally, look around, take the photo, have the snack and enjoy where your own two feet have taken you. That's rather the point of hiking in the first place.
A FINAL THOUGHT...
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that you never really stop learning as a hiker. I certainly haven’t.
I’ve made plenty of the mistakes on this list myself — from turning up at Snowdon in jeans with one sandwich and nowhere near enough kit, to getting routes, timings and distances wrong on much bigger challenges since.
Experience doesn’t mean you stop making mistakes. Hopefully, it means you get better at recognising them, learning from them and knowing when to change your plans.
So plan well, carry the right kit, respect the conditions — and don’t forget number 50.
Enjoy the walk.
NEW TO HIKING?
If you’re just getting started, take a look at my Complete Guide to Hiking for Beginners, covering everything from choosing your first walk and what to wear, to planning routes, navigation and staying safe on the trail.