Navigating the Peaks: A Rally Legend’s Guide to the Lake District’s Ultimate Driving Roads
As a seasoned observer of the automotive landscape for over a decade, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the allure of a perfectly paved ribbon of asphalt can captivate even the most discerning enthusiasts. This past week offered a unique confluence of automotive prowess and iconic scenery, bringing together a legendary figure from the rally world and a curated selection of high-performance machines. We embarked on an expedition into the heart of the Lake District, a region renowned for its breathtaking vistas and, crucially for our purposes, its challenging and rewarding driving roads. The objective: to follow in the tire tracks of a true motorsport icon and uncover the essence of what makes these Cumbrian byways so special.
Our chosen chariot for this exploration wasn’t just one, but three distinct expressions of automotive engineering, each representing a different philosophy of performance. Leading the charge, in a manner of speaking, was the formidable Aston Martin DBX S, boasting a colossal 717 horsepower. This behemoth of British luxury and performance promises a blend of opulent comfort and blistering speed. Alongside it sat the feisty Toyota GR Yaris, a modern rally homologation special, delivering a potent 276 horsepower from its compact, yet potent, powertrain. Completing our trio was a bona fide automotive icon: a 1989 Audi Quattro 20v, the progenitor of a lineage that redefined all-wheel-drive performance, offering a more modest but historically significant 217 horsepower. The presence of these three distinct vehicles underscored the diversity of driving experiences available, from brute force to nimble agility and historical significance.
The stage for this unfolding narrative was M-Sport’s esteemed headquarters at Dovenby Hall in Cumbria. It was here, amidst a collection of automotive treasures, that we met our guide, Malcolm Wilson OBE. For those unfamiliar with the name, Wilson is far more than just a former rally driver. His career trajectory reads like a masterclass in dedication and vision: from a decorated rally competitor to the mastermind behind M-Sport’s global motorsport endeavors, and now, a significant figure in international motorsport governance as the FIA Deputy President for Sport. To say he possesses unparalleled insight into what constitutes a truly exceptional driving road would be an understatement.
Our gathering was, admittedly, a deviation from the usual high-octane rally stages that M-Sport is synonymous with. Yet, my intuition suggested that the sheer quality of the cars, coupled with the unparalleled beauty of the Lake District, would be enough to entice Wilson out for a drive. His known appreciation for the Aston Martin DBX 707, a model he has owned and evidently cherished, hinted at a potential soft spot for its even more powerful S variant. Furthermore, the Toyota GR Yaris, a car directly linked to the World Rally Championship campaigns that M-Sport spearheads, held a certain, undeniable allure.
While the Audi Quattro 20v might have been a slightly later addition to the ensemble – necessitating a quick reminder of its battery location and a brief jump-start to awaken its historic spirit – it was this very car that commanded Wilson’s immediate attention. Almost bypassing the more contemporary machines, he gravitated towards the Quattro, a clear indication of its special place in his motoring history. His decision to claim the driver’s seat was immediate and resolute, leaving his son, Matthew Wilson, a formidable rally driver in his own right and the current team boss for M-Sport’s Dakar efforts, and myself to share the remaining machines. With the keys firmly in hand, the adventure, and our quest to uncover the Lake District’s most exhilarating driving roads, was officially underway.
The prevailing weather, a characteristic of the Lake District, was indeed damp, adding a layer of atmospheric intensity to the landscape. However, our chosen vehicles, all equipped with sophisticated all-wheel-drive systems, were more than capable of handling the slick conditions. The mission was straightforward: to immerse ourselves in the local driving lore, guided by those who know these roads intimately, and to discover which routes truly test the mettle of man and machine.
My initial position was in the Aston Martin DBX S, bringing up the rear. This vantage point allowed me to observe the procession ahead and appreciate the dynamic between the two Wilsons. Malcolm, at the helm of the vintage Audi Quattro, set a spirited yet deliberate pace. His familiarization with the vehicle was evident, as the Quattro, with its distinctive warble and bob, soon began to pull away, its silhouette a nostalgic echo of rallying’s golden era. Matthew, in pursuit with the nimble GR Yaris, maintained an engaged rhythm, setting a tone that promised an engaging drive. This wasn’t about outright speed, but rather a measured exploration, a dialogue between driver, car, and environment.
As we navigated through the quaint streets of Cockermouth, Malcolm’s genuine connection with the local community became strikingly apparent. He wound down the Quattro’s windows, exchanging warm greetings and waves with residents who clearly recognized their celebrated local figure. It was a poignant reminder that even amidst the fast-paced world of international motorsport, roots run deep. His continued presence and influence in the region, despite any potential local controversies surrounding circuit development, spoke volumes about his enduring legacy. This personal touch, this intimate connection with the landscape and its people, is what truly defines the “Lake District experience.”
The true essence of our driving journey began as we ventured south of Cockermouth. The roads started to weave and undulate alongside the imposing presence of Grasmoor and the shimmering expanse of Crummock Water. The landscape, softened by the autumnal hues and the persistent drizzle, possessed a raw, untamed beauty. Here, in the Aston Martin, with its potent V8 soundtrack providing a symphonic accompaniment, I found myself instinctively modulating my inputs, keenly aware of the car’s immense power and the potential for unpredictability on the damp, leaf-strewn tarmac. The Wilsons, forging ahead in their respective machines, appeared to be reveling in the freedom of the open road, their evident enjoyment a testament to the intrinsic pleasure of driving in such a stunning setting.
Our path then led us towards the iconic Honister Pass. Even under a sodden November sky, the ascent was a spectacle. Water cascaded down the steepest sections of the road, transforming the scenery into something akin to a mythical realm. Boulders, as if strategically placed by nature’s hand, littered the valley floor, and at the summit, the entrance to an old slate mine, now a quaint café, stood as a stoic sentinel. Matthew, pausing to procure coffees, explained the importance of timing one’s visit to Honister. “If this was tourist season,” he noted, “we wouldn’t be here.” He elaborated on the pass’s popularity with cyclists and mountain bikers, and the inherent challenges posed by its narrow, serpentine nature. Despite these potential obstacles, the sheer visual drama and driving engagement of Honister make it an indispensable part of any Lake District driving itinerary, provided one chooses their moment wisely. Malcolm, sharing a childhood anecdote about collecting slate for his family home, recounted the precarious journey down the pass in a van, with doors wedged open “in case the brakes failed!” This story underscored the enduring respect for the power and inherent risks of these mountain roads.
Reluctantly, the reins of the Audi Quattro were passed on. Malcolm’s recollection of his Audi Sport days in the 1980s painted a vivid picture of earlier Quattro models, emphasizing their more pronounced turbo lag and the less refined power delivery compared to the 20-valve iteration we were experiencing. “This one,” he stated with conviction, “is so much better.” This evolution of the Quattro’s performance characteristics highlighted how technology and engineering have refined even iconic platforms over time, making them more accessible and enjoyable for a wider range of drivers.
The dynamic then shifted. Malcolm, now at the helm of the Aston Martin DBX S, led the descent from Honister towards Seatoller. As the road widened and its gradients and radii became more forgiving, the pace naturally quickened. We continued north through Borrowdale, tracing the path of the River Derwent, with the majestic silhouette of Scafell Pike providing a constant, awe-inspiring backdrop. The panoramic views from the DBX S were simply breathtaking, offering a truly immersive connection with the Lakeland landscape.
The character of the drive evolved once more as we bypassed Keswick and headed north, past Bassenthwaite Lake and Dodd Wood. Turning northeast towards Uldale and Caldbeck, the terrain transformed from mountainous grandeur to sweeping moorland. The absence of tourist traffic and the presence of longer, well-sighted straights signaled a shift in the road’s temperament. This, it became clear, was one of Malcolm’s favored test routes, a place where his practiced familiarity translated into a demonstrably quicker pace. The roads here offered a compelling blend of fast, cambered corners and invigorating gradients, a true driver’s playground. He later admitted this was his preferred route to access the M6, cleverly bypassing the congested A66. This insight into his strategic route planning further underscored his deep understanding of both performance driving and local geography.
After a few miles of exhilarating progress, we pulled into a gravel car park, a natural waypoint for swapping vehicles and sharing initial impressions. The conversations that ensued were a rich tapestry of automotive insight. Malcolm’s admiration for the Aston Martin DBX S was palpable, particularly its ability to deliver such a colossal amount of performance with an astonishing degree of composure and ease of handling, defying its considerable size and weight. He also acknowledged the sheer fun factor of the Toyota GR Yaris, praising its rally-bred DNA. However, he expressed a subtle reservation regarding the Yaris’s overwhelming digital information stream, questioning the necessity of such a deluge of data for the everyday driver. “Who needs to know all that?” he mused, a sentiment that resonated with the purist in me.
The true stars of the discussion, however, were unequivocally the Audi Quattro. Both Malcolm and Matthew were effusive in their praise for its performance envelope, remarking on how remarkably “right” its setup felt for real-world road driving, even decades after its inception. They marveled at its progressive grip, its nuanced steering response, and the way it seemed to awaken to life with just the right application of speed. The raw, connected feel of the Quattro, particularly when contrasted with the sophisticated technology of the modern cars, offered a profound appreciation for the engineering purity of a bygone era. This direct comparison highlighted the enduring appeal of analog driving dynamics and the tactile feedback that often gets diluted in contemporary performance vehicles.
As our extraordinary day drew to a close, a short drive brought us back to the familiar M-Sport headquarters. The afternoon’s detour, though unscheduled, had clearly been a welcome interlude for both Malcolm and Matthew, a chance to indulge their shared passion for driving in some of the UK’s most spectacular landscapes. It was evident that while their professional lives are demanding, moments like these, exploring the nuanced artistry of the open road, hold an equally significant place in their hearts.
This journey through the Lake District, guided by a legend of motorsport, offered more than just a scenic drive. It was an immersion into the very soul of performance driving, a testament to the enduring appeal of well-engineered machinery and the timeless allure of exceptional roads. It reinforced the idea that the pursuit of driving pleasure is a multifaceted endeavor, encompassing raw power, agile dynamics, and the profound connection forged between driver, machine, and the environment.
If you’re inspired to discover the thrill of driving these iconic routes for yourself, or perhaps to explore the capabilities of cutting-edge performance vehicles like those featured, we invite you to connect with our team of experts. We can help you craft your own unforgettable automotive adventure, tailored to your specific desires and designed to unlock the ultimate driving experience.
