Charting England’s Emerald Expanse: A Rally Legend’s Guide to the Ultimate Driving Roads
As an automotive industry professional with a decade of immersion in the world of high-performance vehicles and cutting-edge automotive technology, I’ve traversed countless miles on asphalt and gravel. Yet, few landscapes possess the raw, untamed allure of the United Kingdom’s Lake District. This iconic region, often shrouded in a mystical mist and kissed by the ubiquitous British rain, offers a driving experience that is as challenging as it is profoundly rewarding. Recently, I had the unparalleled opportunity to explore these famed byways, not merely as a journalist, but as a participant guided by the intimate knowledge of a true rally icon. This journey wasn’t just about the destination; it was a masterclass in extracting the very essence of the driving experience from some of the world’s most revered performance machines on some of Britain’s best roads.
Our expedition commenced at the hallowed grounds of M-Sport’s headquarters at Dovenby Hall in Cumbria. The air buzzed with anticipation, amplified by the presence of a trio of exceptional performance vehicles, each representing a distinct era and philosophy of automotive engineering. Leading the charge, in terms of sheer presence and prodigious power, was the Aston Martin DBX S, a 717bhp behemoth of British luxury and performance. Alongside it sat the compact, yet ferociously capable Toyota GR Yaris, a 276bhp rally homologation special that has captivated enthusiasts worldwide. Completing this eclectic ensemble was a veteran of rally history: a pristine 1989 Audi Quattro 20v, a 217bhp legend whose very name is synonymous with all-wheel-drive dominance.
The true magic of this particular Tuesday, however, wasn’t solely in the machinery, but in the distinguished company. We were joined by Malcolm Wilson OBE, a name that resonates deeply within the global motorsport community. With a career spanning decades as a celebrated rally driver, a meticulous test driver, a formidable team manager, and currently serving as the FIA’s Deputy President for Sport, Wilson’s connection to the Lake District is as profound as his understanding of the internal combustion engine. His passion for driving, particularly on these sinuous Cumbrian roads, is infectious. While the allure of the Aston Martin DBX S was undeniable, given his personal affinity for its 707 variant, and the road-going Toyota GR Yaris held a certain nostalgic pull due to M-Sport’s WRC rivalries, it was the venerable Audi Quattro 20v that unexpectedly captured his immediate attention.
It was a testament to the Quattro’s enduring legacy that Malcolm gravitated towards it with such an immediate and pronounced preference. He claimed the driver’s seat with an almost instinctive certainty, a decision that saw his son, Matthew Wilson – a accomplished rally driver in his own right, a nine-time WRC top-five finisher, and currently leading the M-Sport Dakar team – and I exchange knowing smiles. We were left to share the remaining automotive jewels. The objective for the day was clear: to uncover the Lake District’s most exhilarating driving routes, as curated by two individuals whose lives are intrinsically linked to the pursuit of driving excellence.
Our journey commenced with a spirited drive out of Dovenby Hall. The Audi Quattro 20v, despite its age, demonstrated a surprising alacrity, its distinctive rumble setting a brisk, yet controlled, pace. Malcolm, a master of the subtle art of vehicle control, guided the Quattro with a practiced ease that belied its years. As we navigated through the charming market town of Cockermouth, it was evident that Malcolm Wilson isn’t just a motorsport titan; he is a beloved figure within his local community. With windows down, he exchanged cheerful greetings with familiar faces, eliciting warm smiles and nods of recognition. This deep-rooted connection to the area, even amidst the logistical challenges of managing a global motorsport enterprise, was palpable.
Our chosen route soon led us south of town, tracing the serpentine contours of the landscape alongside the majestic Grasmoor mountain and the tranquil shores of Crummock Water. The road, a ribbon of tarmac carved into the rugged fells, began to weave and undulate, demanding precise inputs and a keen awareness of grip. The fallen leaves of late autumn, a vibrant tapestry of gold and crimson, lined the verges, adding a dramatic visual flourish to the already breathtaking scenery. Piloting the formidable Aston Martin DBX S, with its substantial dimensions and immense power, required a heightened sense of spatial awareness, particularly when encountering oncoming traffic on these narrow lanes. However, the V8’s sonorous soundtrack provided a constant, reassuring symphony, a reminder of the immense capability at my disposal.
The undisputed highlight of this initial leg was the ascent of Honister Pass. Even under a typically damp Cumbrian sky, the pass presented a spectacle of raw, natural beauty. Rain cascaded down the steepest inclines, transforming the road into a glistening stream, while the surrounding landscape evoked images of a fantastical realm. Enormous boulders, seemingly dislodged by ancient forces, dotted the valley floor, and at the summit, the entrance to a disused slate mine, now a charming cafe, stood as a testament to the region’s industrial heritage. Matthew, ever the pragmatic guide, explained that visiting during peak tourist season would be an entirely different, and far less exhilarating, experience. The pass, he noted, is often thronged with cyclists and mountain bikers, and its narrow, winding nature demands a more deliberate pace. Yet, for those who time their visit judiciously, the reward is an unforgettable driving adventure. Malcolm then shared a poignant childhood anecdote, recounting a perilous journey to collect slate for his family home, where the need to keep the van’s doors wedged open due to unreliable brakes underscored the very real dangers of these unforgiving roads.
The opportunity to switch vehicles presented itself, and I found myself at the helm of the Toyota GR Yaris. Descending the eastern flank of Honister Pass towards Seatoller, the road gradually widened, its gradients and radii becoming more forgiving, allowing for a more fluid and dynamic drive. We then proceeded through Borrowdale, following the course of the River Derwent, with the imposing silhouette of Scafell Pike a constant, awe-inspiring presence. The scenery remained nothing short of spectacular, a constant reminder of the natural grandeur that defines this corner of the United Kingdom.
The landscape shifted as we moved north of Keswick, past Bassenthwaite Lake and Dodd Wood. Our route turned north-east, leading us towards Uldale and Caldbeck. Here, the terrain transitioned from dramatic mountain passes to expansive moorland. The tourist throng dissolved, replaced by long, sweeping straights and well-sighted crests. This, it became clear, was one of Malcolm’s cherished testing grounds. His pace quickened, his familiarity with the road evident in every precise steering input and perfectly timed acceleration. The absence of slow-moving vehicles and the presence of fast, cambered corners, coupled with invigorating gradients, created a driving environment that was both challenging and immensely satisfying. Malcolm later admitted that this very route serves as his preferred conduit to the M6 motorway, expertly bypassing the congested A66.
After a series of exhilarating miles, we pulled into a generous gravel lay-by to facilitate another vehicle swap. The exchange of impressions was animated. Malcolm, the seasoned veteran, expressed profound admiration for the Aston Martin DBX S, particularly its ability to deliver such colossal performance with such remarkable composure and ease of handling. He also lauded the Toyota GR Yaris, recognizing its inherent fun-factor and rally-bred pedigree. However, he voiced a slight reservation regarding the GR Yaris’s infotainment system, deeming the sheer volume of electronic data and alerts somewhat superfluous for the purist driver. “Who needs to know all that?” he mused, a sentiment that resonated with the purist in me.
The conversation, however, inevitably circled back to the Audi Quattro 20v. Both Malcolm and Matthew were captivated by how its performance, even by today’s standards, felt so perfectly calibrated for road use. They marveled at its tenacious grip, its intuitive steering, and its supple ride and handling when coaxed with just the right amount of speed. Its raw, mechanical honesty, they agreed, offered a palpable connection to the road that modern, overtly sophisticated vehicles sometimes struggle to replicate. It possessed an “alive” quality, a directness of communication between car and driver that is the hallmark of truly great automobiles.
Our sojourn concluded with a short drive back to M-Sport, a return to the operational heart of a global motorsport powerhouse. For both Malcolm and Matthew, the afternoon’s excursion was a welcome interlude, a chance to indulge their passion for driving on their home turf. As an industry expert, I can attest that the Lake District, when experienced through the lens of such profound automotive enthusiasm and guided by the wisdom of rally royalty, offers a driving adventure that transcends the ordinary. It’s a potent blend of breathtaking scenery, challenging topography, and the sheer joy of connecting with a machine on an elemental level.
For those who seek an unparalleled driving experience, who yearn to push the boundaries of performance on some of the most iconic roads in the United Kingdom, the Lake District awaits. We invite you to explore these magnificent routes, to discover the thrill of precise handling and the exhilaration of open roads. Whether you pilot a modern supercar or a classic rally icon, the emerald expanse of Cumbria promises an unforgettable automotive pilgrimage.
Discover your own rally-inspired adventure. Plan your journey through the Lake District’s legendary driving roads and experience the magic for yourself.
