Route 666

Deciding to head into Bolton on Saturday 25^th April, to see how the town centre was faring under lockdown, I commenced my urban trek at 8:30am from the Blackburn Road stretch of the A666 with 2 miles ahead of me into town.

Well if you ever plan to motor west
Just take my way that’s the highway that’s the best
Get your kicks on Route 66

The Rolling Stones, 1964, Writer: Bob Troup 

I’d pass through different neighbourhoods, with old names such as Sharples and Astley Bridge where the road is lined with a mix of homes, shops and light industrial buildings. Getting closer to the town centre, the urban landscape starts to look more American, with gleaming modern car showrooms and out-of-town retail parks housing major national and international mega-stores, almost hinting at the fact that there’s actually little need to go into Bolton’s town centre, as everything you’d ever need is available alongside its perimeter roads.

Unusually hot for the time of year, it was a day of blue skies, shimmering reflections and sharp shadows. 

Here are my favourite shots of that morning’s walk. Alternatively, please click on the Bolton Under Lockdown link for a more photos an account of my day.