Car nation

Sunday's march from Buxton to Bakewell was our most scenic so far, passing through the peak district and various dales. Towards the end of the day we walked along a railway line removed by Dr Beeching in the 1960s.

The afternoon seemed to symbolise how this country has let public transport to decline over the century, whilst massively promoting the use of the car. Our worship of the car has not been more apparent than when walking through northern cities which are clearly designed with cars as the focus. Try a 14-mile walk through Greater Manchester and you'll see what I mean.

Once a week we have a rest day, this week in Bakewell, so we've had a chance to look around. The station may be gone, but on the east-side of the river exists a packed car park larger than the town centre. You might not be able to get here by train, but there's plenty of room for the motorist.

Distance covered so far: 497 miles