The Lake District’s Scenic Driving Symphony: A Rally Legend’s Chosen Routes
Unveiling Cumbria’s Most Thrilling Asphalt with an Aston Martin DBX S, Toyota GR Yaris, and a Classic Audi Quattro 20v
As an industry expert with a decade immersed in the automotive landscape, I’ve traversed countless roads, from the blistering heat of desert test tracks to the icy grip of alpine passes. Yet, few places stir the soul quite like the United Kingdom’s Lake District. This ancient, brooding landscape, perpetually kissed by mist and rain, possesses a raw, untamed beauty that demands not just appreciation, but participation. It’s a realm where engineering prowess meets geological artistry, and where the symphony of a high-performance engine harmonizes with the whisper of the wind through the fells.
Our recent excursion into this iconic Cumbrian wonderland was more than just a picturesque drive; it was a pilgrimage guided by a true titan of motorsport. Imagine a figure whose name is synonymous with rallying excellence, a man who has not only conquered stages as a driver but has also built a global empire in M-Sport, a leading force in the World Rally Championship. We were fortunate enough to secure the presence of Malcolm Wilson OBE, a man whose influence extends from the WRC tarmac to the FIA’s highest sporting councils, and his equally accomplished son, Matthew Wilson. Their deep-seated connection to this region, coupled with an unadulterated passion for driving, provided the perfect lens through which to explore the Lake District’s finest driving roads.
The challenge, as often happens in the Lake District, was the weather. A persistent drizzle, a familiar soundtrack to this picturesque corner of England, was our constant companion. Yet, this particular gathering was designed for such conditions. We assembled a triumvirate of performance vehicles, each a testament to different philosophies of automotive engineering, and each equipped with all-wheel-drive systems optimized for tackling challenging terrain. Parked outside the meticulously curated collection at M-Sport’s Dovenby Hall headquarters, we found a brand-new Aston Martin DBX S, boasting a colossal 717 horsepower from its V8 heart; a sprightly, recently acquired Toyota GR Yaris, delivering a spirited 276 horsepower from its compact, rally-bred engine; and a legendary, if decidedly vintage, 1989 Audi Quattro 20v, its turbocharged five-cylinder engine producing a respectable 217 horsepower. This eclectic mix promised a fascinating exploration of how modern performance and classic engineering fare on some of Britain’s most demanding asphalt.
The allure of these machines, and the prospect of a guided tour by a luminary like Malcolm Wilson, was a potent combination. Having recently crossed paths with Wilson at our own “Britain’s Best Driver’s Car” shootout, held at this very location, a hunch had formed. His known fondness for the Aston Martin DBX 707 (a predecessor to the S variant we had) suggested the larger Aston might indeed tempt him. The Toyota GR Yaris, a car that his M-Sport team has fiercely competed against in the World Rally Championship, was also a strong contender for his attention.
The Audi Quattro 20v, however, was initially an afterthought. It had required a brief jump-start earlier that morning, a gentle reminder of its age and the importance of battery maintenance. Yet, to our surprise, Malcolm Wilson made a beeline for the classic Audi, bypassing the newer, more exotic machinery. He claimed the driver’s seat with an almost paternal instinct, making it clear that he wasn’t inclined to share. A knowing glance and a shared chuckle passed between Matthew, himself a world-class rally driver and team principal, and I. The remaining two performance cars, the Aston Martin DBX S and the Toyota GR Yaris, would be our chariots for the day.
Our mission was clear: to discover, through the eyes and experience of two of the Lake District’s most discerning petrolheads, the most exhilarating and engaging driving roads the region has to offer. While Autocar frequently ventures across the country, our visits to Cumbria are less frequent, a fact that has only amplified our renewed interest. This is an area where intimate local knowledge is not just beneficial, but essential, particularly when navigating the intricate dance of avoiding crowds, ramblers, cyclists, and the general influx of tourist traffic that can transform these epic landscapes into congested thoroughfares.
Embarking on the Symphony: The Aston Martin DBX S and the Toyota GR Yaris Take the Lead
Settling into the opulent embrace of the Aston Martin DBX S, positioned at the rear of our three-car convoy, provided an ideal vantage point to observe the unfolding spectacle. The Audi Quattro, having benefited from a period of idling to replenish its battery, was already being coaxed into action by Malcolm Wilson, who showed little inclination for a leisurely warm-up. By the time I had navigated the Aston out of Dovenby Hall’s sweeping driveway, the distinctive, angular rear of the Quattro had all but vanished.
The classic Audi, with its characteristic engine note and a hint of mechanical charm, bobbed and weaved its way with surprising alacrity, seemingly out of sight. Matthew, ever the composed professional, settled into an energetic pursuit in his chosen vehicle, setting a pace that was both engaging and respectful of the conditions. This established the rhythm for our adventure: a blend of spirited driving and an appreciation for the journey itself.
Within minutes, we were navigating the charming, albeit winding, streets of Cockermouth. This was no accidental route; Malcolm clearly intended to engage with the local community. With the windows of the Quattro wound down, he exchanged warm greetings and waves with numerous residents, who responded with evident recognition and smiles, their expressions often mirroring their delight at the sight of the iconic machine. It was a clear testament to his enduring status as a beloved local figure, a sentiment that perhaps stands in stark contrast to the objections raised by some regarding M-Sport’s development at the site.
Our true exploration of the Lake District’s driving roads began shortly after. Heading south from Cockermouth, we skirted the hamlet of Brackenthwaite and then commenced our journey alongside the expansive, imposing flank of Grasmoor, tracing the shoreline of Crummock Water. As the road began its sinuous dance, weaving and winding through the dramatic landscape, we paused for a series of dynamic drive-by photographs. Our progression continued towards the picturesque village of Buttermere, passing the lake and venturing through the hamlet of Gatesgarth.
It was mid-November, and the woodland flanking the lake was ablaze with the vibrant hues of fallen leaves, their vivid yellows and greens clinging stubbornly to the upper reaches of the foot-high piles that lined the roadside. Inside the Aston Martin DBX S, the sheer scale and performance of the machine were palpable. A subconscious breath was held with every approaching vehicle, and the car’s considerable reserves of power and composure were deployed with the utmost circumspection. Frankly, the Wilsons, Sr. and Jr., forging ahead in their respective steeds, appeared to be relishing the moment with a greater degree of unbridled freedom. At least, I had the privilege of a thunderous V8 soundtrack to accompany the drive.
Conquering the Heights: The Majesty of Honister Pass
Our destination was the legendary Honister Pass, a stretch of road that, even on a sodden morning, presented a breathtaking spectacle. Rainwater streamed down its steepest inclines, transforming the landscape into something out of a Tolkien epic. Enormous boulders, seemingly dislodged from the heavens, littered the valley floor, and at the apex of the pass, the entrance to an abandoned slate mine, now home to the Sky Hi Cafe, was marked by imposing stone plinths.
“If this were tourist season, we wouldn’t be here,” Matthew explained, as he skillfully procured coffees for our crew. The pass, as he noted, can become incredibly congested with cyclists and mountain bikers, and the road itself is a narrow, serpentine challenge. Matthew himself is a frequent visitor, often participating in these very activities. Nevertheless, even with the potential for crowds, it is an undeniable must-visit, provided one times their arrival judiciously.
During our brief respite, Malcolm shared a vivid childhood memory: his seven-year-old self, accompanying his father on a trip to collect slate for their family home in Workington. “They told my dad to keep the sliding doors of the van wedged open as we drove down,” he recalled, “so we could dive out if the brakes failed!” It was a stark illustration of the inherent risks and the daring spirit that characterized earlier eras of driving and motorsport.
With a touch of reluctance, we managed to persuade Malcolm to relinquish the driver’s seat of the Audi. “I had two Quattro road cars when I was driving for Audi Sport in the 80s,” he reminisced, “but they weren’t 20-valve models like this. They had significantly more turbo lag; the power was very much an on-or-off proposition, and you really had to wait for it to arrive. This particular car is so much better refined.”
The Shifting Tides: A New Driver Lineup and Evolving Landscapes
With the driver rotation now complete, Malcolm took the helm of the Aston Martin DBX S. Matthew assumed control of the nimble Audi Quattro, and I settled into the driver’s seat of the Toyota GR Yaris. We began our descent on the eastern side of Honister Pass, heading towards Seatoller. Here, the road broadened, and its gradients and corner radii became more forgiving, allowing for a more progressive and quicker pace. We continued our journey through the picturesque Borrowdale valley, tracing the course of the river Derwent as we headed north. The panoramic views from the windscreen remained consistently epic, with the imposing silhouette of Scafell Pike occasionally peeking into view from the driver’s side window.
However, this idyllic scenery was soon to undergo a transformation. The charming town center of Keswick passed by, followed by a northward sweep past Bassenthwaite Lake and Dodd Wood. At the lake’s northernmost point, we turned north-east, charting a course towards the villages of Uldale and Caldbeck.
Suddenly, the character of the landscape shifted. It transformed from mountainous terrain to open moorland. The tell-tale signs of tourist traffic had completely dissipated. The road straightened out for longer, well-sighted stretches, offering excellent visibility over crests. There was a distinct absence of other vehicles, creating a sense of serene isolation. It became evident that this was one of Malcolm’s preferred testing grounds, judging by the discernible quickening of his pace and the evident familiarity with the route. It was as if he possessed an innate knowledge, anticipating the absence of slow-moving farm trailers and MPVs that might typically frequent such roads. He had, it seemed, orchestrated the perfect driving conditions. The route unfolded with a thrilling combination of fast, cambered corners and a multitude of gradients, ensuring a consistently engaging experience. Malcolm later admitted that this was also his preferred route for accessing the M6 motorway to the east, effectively circumventing the heavily trafficked A66.
Reflections and Revelations: A Shared Appreciation for Driving Purity
After a few exhilarating, albeit somewhat blurry, miles, we pulled into a spacious gravel roadside car park. This marked the second car swap of the day, allowing us to trade driving impressions and further refine our understanding of each vehicle’s character. Malcolm was effusive in his praise for the Aston Martin DBX S, particularly highlighting its remarkable ability to mask its considerable size, weight, and immense power, making it surprisingly benign and effortless to handle. He also expressed a clear fondness for the Toyota GR Yaris, acknowledging its unadulterated fun factor and pure driving engagement. However, he voiced a slight reservation regarding the car’s deluge of information and electronic “noise,” questioning the necessity of such constant driver bombardment. “Who needs to know all that?” he mused, a sentiment that resonated with the desire for a more focused driving experience.
Yet, both Malcolm and Matthew Wilson were even more enthusiastic when discussing the Audi Quattro 20v. They expressed a palpable sense of astonishment at how its performance level, even decades after its inception, felt so remarkably “right” for road driving. They marveled at its progressively engaging grip, steering response, ride quality, and handling characteristics, all of which seemed to come alive with the application of just the right amount of speed. Compared to the sophisticated, yet sometimes detached, nature of modern performance cars, the Quattro felt astonishingly alive and connected.
From our final vantage point, it was a relatively short drive back to M-Sport headquarters for both Malcolm and Matthew. Their afternoon, though likely filled with other professional commitments, was undeniably enhanced by a few hours spent as impromptu, unpaid guides, sharing their passion for driving on the very roads that have shaped their careers. I sensed that neither of them begrudged the delightful distraction.
This journey through the Lake District, guided by rally royalty, was a profound reminder of what truly defines a great driving experience. It’s not merely about raw power or cutting-edge technology; it’s about the harmonious interplay between driver, machine, and environment. It’s about finding those roads that challenge, reward, and connect you to the very essence of motoring.
If you’re inspired to discover your own perfect driving routes or seek expert advice on selecting the ideal performance vehicle for your adventures, consider reaching out to our team. We’re dedicated to helping you unlock the ultimate driving pleasure, whether on the scenic byways of the Lake District or any other automotive playground.
