A load of Trossachs

The glens, mountains and lochs that form the Trossachs just north of Glasgow have a history of clan warfare, political rebellion and land disputes. Most were resolved violently. The most recent turmoil to afflict these parts, however, was crushed by the local highways committee and several thousand litres of yellow paint.

Double yellow lines have appeared on even the quietest country lanes that lead to the beauty spot of Loch Lomond in response to the volume of traffic generated by a perfect storm of coronavirus lockdown and an unprecedented Scottish heatwave. Thousands of refugees from Scotland’s nearby and densely populated central belt have all been waking up and thinking, ‘What a lovely day. If we can’t fly abroad, let’s escape the crowds by going somewhere no one else will think of, like the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. And instead of using any of the well-connected public transport options or jumping on our bikes, we’ll create a massive traffic jam!’

The challenge of this year’s ‘staycation summer’ has been how to beat the crowds. It takes real effort and imagination to find some uncharted patch of the UK. If there’s a road to it, you’ll