Charting England’s Emerald Isles: Rally Legends Uncover the Ultimate Driving Roads of the Lake District
For decades, the Lake District has captivated imaginations, not just for its breathtaking natural beauty, but for the sheer, unadulterated joy it offers to those who appreciate the art of driving. As an automotive industry veteran with a decade of experience navigating the complexities of vehicle dynamics and market trends, I can attest that certain locales possess a unique synergy with performance vehicles, and the Lake District stands as a prime example. Today, we embark on a journey, not merely through miles of asphalt, but through the very soul of motoring, guided by the intimate knowledge of rally royalty and experienced in a trio of exceptionally capable, all-wheel-drive performance machines.
The perennial British weather, characterized by its picturesque yet often damp conditions, contributes significantly to the Lake District’s unique charm. And while a touch of drizzle may be present today, our convoy is perfectly equipped to embrace it. We have assembled three magnificent examples of performance engineering: a brand-new, 717-horsepower Aston Martin DBX S, a lightly used, 276-horsepower Toyota GR Yaris, and a venerable, 217-horsepower 1989 Audi Quattro 20v. These vehicles, each representing a distinct era and philosophy of automotive prowess, are piloted by drivers who understand the delicate dance between machine and tarmac.
However, the true compass for our expedition comes from a man whose name is synonymous with rallying success in the United Kingdom and beyond: Malcolm Wilson OBE. A decorated rally driver, a shrewd team principal, a driving force behind M-Sport, and now an influential figure within the FIA, Wilson’s connection to these roads runs deep. It was during a recent engagement at M-Sport’s headquarters and the conclusion of a prestigious automotive competition within this very region that a profound insight into his passion for driving became apparent. The prospect of encountering a potent Aston Martin, a marque he has a personal appreciation for, and a rally-bred homologation special like the Toyota GR Yaris, a machine his team has fiercely competed against on the world stage, offered a compelling reason to emerge from his busy schedule for what essentially becomes an impromptu tour of England’s most celebrated driving routes.
While the Audi Quattro 20v, a car that required a brief battery resuscitation this morning (a nod to its vintage charm), might have been an initial afterthought for the lineup, Wilson’s immediate gravitation towards it speaks volumes. It’s a car that defined an era and its influence on all-wheel-drive technology is undeniable. He claimed the driver’s seat with an almost palpable enthusiasm, a decision that brought a knowing smile and a shared glance between his son, Matthew Wilson, himself a world-class rally competitor and team principal for M-Sport’s Dakar operation, and myself. The remaining two automotive ambassadors were then ours to explore. Our objective: to uncover the hidden gems of the Lake District’s driving landscape through the discerning eyes and experienced hands of two of its most passionate automotive enthusiasts.
Autocar’s presence in this particular corner of the country is infrequent, yet recent vehicle evaluations have reignited our interest in its unique driving topography. It is precisely in such environments that local expertise becomes an invaluable asset, particularly when navigating the intricate ballet of avoiding the more leisurely pace of tourist traffic, cyclists, and the general ebb and flow of visitors.
Our initial foray places me behind the wheel of the Aston Martin DBX S, offering an elevated vantage point from which to absorb the unfolding scenery and the dynamics of the convoy. The venerable Audi, having received its vital charge, sets off with an urgency that belies its age. Malcolm, clearly eager to reconnect with a piece of automotive history, doesn’t waste a moment. By the time the DBX S emerges from the driveway of Dovenby Hall, the distinctive rear of the Quattro has already begun to recede into the distance.
The distinctive warble and purposeful stance of the Audi Quattro 20v quickly set a spirited pace, a tempo that Matthew readily embraces in pursuit. The tone for the day is unequivocally established.
We navigate through the charming streets of Cockermouth, a deliberate choice, I suspect, by Malcolm. With the windows of the Quattro rolled down, he engages with locals, exchanging warm greetings and eliciting appreciative smiles, a testament to his enduring connection with the community. Even amidst potential minor inconveniences for others, his presence clearly resonates.
Our true exploration commences as we venture south of town, passing through the hamlet of Brackenthwaite. The road begins its intricate dance alongside the imposing mass of Grasmoor and the tranquil waters of Crummock Water, its path weaving and coiling with captivating linearity. We pause briefly for photographic opportunities, capturing the machines against this dramatic backdrop, before pressing onward towards the village of Buttermere, traversing the picturesque Gatesgarth.
Even in the atmospheric conditions of mid-November, the foliage lining the lakeside woodlands retains a vibrant hue. The fallen leaves, piled high on either side of the road, create a colorful, if somewhat slippery, spectacle. Gripping the controls of the Aston Martin DBX S, I find myself instinctively managing its considerable power with utmost respect, particularly when encountering oncoming traffic on these narrower stretches. Up ahead, the Wilsons, father and son, appear to be reveling in the unadulterated joy of the drive, their apparent ease in the lighter machines a stark contrast to my more considered progress, though I must concede the potent V8 soundtrack of the Aston provides its own unique auditory reward.
The approach to Honister Pass is nothing short of awe-inspiring, even under a sodden sky. Rainwater cascades down the steepest sections of the road, painting a landscape that feels as though it were lifted from the pages of a fantasy epic. Enormous boulders, dislodged from the mountainsides, lie scattered across the valley floor, and at the summit, the entrance to an abandoned slate mine, now repurposed as the Sky Hi Cafe, stands as a stoic monument to the region’s industrial past.
“If this were peak tourist season, we wouldn’t be here,” Matthew explains as he retrieves coffees for the group. Honister Pass can become exceptionally busy with both road cyclists and mountain bikers – Matthew himself being a keen participant on occasion – and the road’s character is decidedly narrow and serpentine. However, with careful timing, its allure is undeniable. While we pause, Malcolm recounts a childhood memory of collecting slate for his family home, a task undertaken with a youthful understanding of the road’s potential hazards, as evidenced by his father’s pragmatic advice regarding the van’s sliding doors.
With a gentle prod, we persuade Malcolm to relinquish the Audi’s helm. “I owned two Quattro road cars when I was driving for Audi Sport in the 1980s,” he reminisces, “but they lacked the refinement of this 20-valve model. The turbo lag was considerably more pronounced; power delivery was an on-off affair, demanding significant anticipation. This iteration offers a far more sophisticated experience.”
He then transitions to the Aston Martin DBX S for our next segment, with Matthew taking the wheel of the Audi and I settling into the driver’s seat of the Toyota GR Yaris. As we descend the eastern flank of Honister towards Seatoller, the road gracefully widens, its gradients and radii become more forgiving, allowing for a more uninhibited pace. We continue through Borrowdale, tracing the course of the River Derwent northward. The panoramic vistas through the windscreen remain consistently breathtaking, with the majestic peak of Scafell Pike visible from the driver’s side window.
The landscape soon undergoes a transformation. The picturesque town of Keswick passes by, followed by an onward journey north, skirting Bassenthwaite and Dodd Wood. At the northern extremity of the lake, we turn north-east, heading towards Uldale and Caldbeck. The terrain shifts from mountainous to open moorland. The tourist presence diminishes, and the road opens up with longer, well-sighted straights, offering clear views ahead. It’s evident this is a route Malcolm has traversed many times, his pace quickening with a sense of profound familiarity. It’s as if he possesses an innate understanding of the local road conditions, anticipating the absence of slow-moving farm vehicles or everyday traffic. The route unfolds with a dynamic blend of rapid, cambered corners and exhilarating gradients, ensuring a consistently engaging drive. He later confirms that this is precisely the route he utilizes to access the M6 to the east, deftly bypassing the congestion of the A66.
After a few exhilarating miles, we pull into a spacious gravel car park, allowing for another vehicle swap, followed shortly by another exchange to compare impressions. Malcolm expresses his profound admiration for the Aston Martin DBX S, particularly its ability to impart a sense of composure and effortless control despite its considerable size, weight, and performance capabilities. He also commends the Toyota GR Yaris for its sheer driving enjoyment, though he questions the necessity of the overwhelming volume of digital information presented to the driver. “Who truly needs to know all of that?” he inquires, a valid point in an era of information overload.
However, the consensus among both Malcolm and Matthew leans heavily towards the Audi Quattro. They are astonished by how relevant its performance characteristics remain on modern roads, even decades after its inception. Its progressive grip, precise steering, compliant ride, and balanced handling emerge with a delightful alacrity as the speed increases, revealing an engaging liveliness that modern machinery often struggles to replicate.
From this vantage point, a brief and enjoyable drive brings us back to M-Sport, concluding a day that, while perhaps an interruption to their demanding schedules, was clearly a welcome one. Neither father nor son seemed to mind the detour into the role of unpaid automotive ambassadors, and the profound appreciation for these exceptional driving roads was evident in every interaction. The Lake District, it seems, continues to hold its allure for those who truly understand the exhilaration of a spirited drive.
If you’ve been inspired by this journey through the Lake District’s driving paradise, and are eager to experience the thrill of exceptional performance vehicles on world-class roads, we invite you to explore our latest automotive reviews and discover your next driving adventure.
