How do Your Camino Amigos influence your route?

In a recent post, a 'frequent flyer' Pilgrim mentioned that they would not want to plan on walking an alternative final 100kms on the Camino Frances, as it would mean separating from friends they might make along the way.

That got me thinking. And of course it's a very personal thing.

But it might be a topic that would interest those planning their first Camino, in that it illustrates how we build strong relationships fast on the Camino, and how that can influence our Camino day to day.

Q. How much do your 'Camino Amigos' influence your journey and in particular your route and daily stopping places?

I would say from a personal viewpoint, not at all.
But that would not be 100% true.

Camino #1 on the Frances. I was not really influenced by Camino Amigos at all. Basically because I was walking injured from Day 1. And so my daily distance 'ability' soon had me falling behind and making new friends on a regular basis. As I was walking alone (perhaps a factor) I made new friends easily. And we would often compare plans to see if we were staying in the same villages and arrange shared dinners etc. But after a few days they would again move on ahead.

Camino #2 and 3. I was walking with Pat. So we had our own company and were walking quite short daily distances. We tended to keep to ourselves more and were not so influenced in any way by others. Is that a 'thing' when walking as a couple?

Camino #4, Was a hybrid of 4 routes. And again alone. Bliss....... I did not expect my journey to be influenced by others much, but it was, a bit. It's nice when you really 'connect' with other Pilgrims along the way.

For 10 days or so I walked with 2 Pilgrims (a couple) and we generally stopped in the same places and stayed in the same accommodations, shared meals etc. Then they went left and I went right, on the route. And we parted company. I didn't consider changing my route plans to stick together. (our differing routes were known up front). We still catch up, as we live in the same City.

Then a few days later I buddied up with 2 guys walking together and we got on really well. Same thing. We generally walked to the same places, often stayed in the same accommodations, hung out for meals etc. That was great too.

But after 2 weeks they were headed one way and I was headed off on another route. Did we consider changing our plans to remain hanging out together? Not for a minute. Again, our differing route plans were known up front.

Though we did arrive in Santiago within a day of each other so we caught up for a lunch and dinner. Again, we still stay in touch. Though we are on different sides of the 'pond'.

So my Camino Amigos 'do' influence my Camino at times, in terms of how far I am walking and where I stop, and maybe what accommodation I might use. Particularly on a more remote route. But do they influence the actual route I am taking?
No.
Not so far, anyway.

But I'm sure for others, their Camino Amigos or Camino 'Family' is a very important part of their journey.
So I can understand how that might influence or alter plans along the way.
(maybe first time Pilgrims take note, and don't book too far ahead?)

What are your thoughts?

Is your Camino influenced in terms of time and distance and route, by those you befriend along the way?
Not at all?
A bit?

I have to confess to being a bit 'torn'
I love walking alone and the solitude.
15 days on the Invierno alone was magical.

But it's also a great experience walking with those with whom you have made a deep connection.

Maybe a bit of both is the best of both Worlds?

Afterthought.
For those who may be inclined to try to 'keep up' with pilgrim friends.
It can be sad to part from friends.
But every time I have done so, I have met other 'friends' fairly quickly.

Perhaps it's the nature and the magic of the Camino?