Experiencing the Lake District’s Premier Driving Roads with a Rally Icon
The United Kingdom’s Lake District, a region synonymous with breathtaking natural beauty and often capricious weather, presents a unique canvas for automotive exploration. On a crisp, rain-kissed Tuesday, the picturesque landscapes surrounding Cumbria became the proving ground for three distinct, yet equally exhilarating, performance vehicles: a formidable Aston Martin DBX S, the agile Toyota GR Yaris, and the historic Audi Quattro 20v. This curated selection, alongside a trio of discerning drivers, offered a rare opportunity to delve into the heart of the region’s most celebrated driving roads, guided by a man whose life has been intrinsically linked to the thrill of the rally stage.
The impetus for this expedition stemmed from a recent encounter at the Britain’s Best Driver’s Car shootout, also held in the Lake District and at the M-Sport headquarters. It was there that the opportunity arose to engage with Malcolm Wilson OBE, a figure whose career trajectory encompasses rallying legend, astute test driver, successful team principal, and now, FIA Deputy President for Sport. Wilson, a man of considerable influence and a known aficionado of the Aston Martin DBX 707, expressed a keen interest in evaluating the newer, more potent DBX S. Furthermore, the road-going iteration of the Toyota GR Yaris, a car with which his M-Sport team has competed intensely in the World Rally Championship, held undeniable appeal.
Our convoy, assembled outside the sophisticated showroom of M-Sport at Dovenby Hall, comprised the 717bhp Aston Martin DBX S, a virtually new 276bhp Toyota GR Yaris, and the venerable 1989 Audi Quattro 20v, boasting a respectable 217bhp. While the Aston and the Yaris represented cutting-edge performance, the Quattro, a machine that fundamentally reshaped the landscape of motorsport and road car dynamics, brought an unparalleled sense of heritage to the proceedings. This unlikely assembly of automotive prowess, coupled with the presence of a genuine rally luminary, promised an afternoon of insightful driving and unparalleled road discovery.
As the trio of vehicles warmed their engines, it was the Audi Quattro 20v that immediately captured Malcolm Wilson’s attention. Despite a brief moment of recalcitrance, requiring a gentle jump-start – a reminder of its vintage charm and the specific location of its 12V battery – Wilson gravitated towards the iconic machine. Without hesitation, he claimed the driver’s seat, effectively dictating the initial pace and setting the tone for the day. Watching this unfold, Wilson’s son, Matthew, a accomplished rally driver in his own right and the current team boss for M-Sport’s Dakar endeavor, and I exchanged a knowing glance, a shared amusement at the enduring allure of the Quattro. We were left to divide the remaining two exceptional vehicles, the Aston Martin DBX S and the Toyota GR Yaris, between us. The objective was clear: to uncover the preferred routes and revered driving roads of two prominent petrolheads deeply ingrained in the fabric of the Lake District’s automotive scene.
The Lake District, it’s often said, is intrinsically shaped by its rainfall, a factor that contributes to its uniquely verdant and dramatic topography. Today, the rain provided a persistent soundtrack, but with a formidable convoy of all-wheel-drive performance cars and experienced drivers, we were more than adequately equipped. The initial leg of our journey saw us departing from Dovenby Hall, with the Audi Quattro leading the charge. Malcolm Wilson, at the helm of the classic machine, navigated through the charming streets of Cockermouth. It was evident that Wilson remains a beloved figure in the local community; he enthusiastically lowered the Quattro’s electric windows, greeting familiar faces with waves and shouts, eliciting warm smiles in return. This genuine connection with the local populace, even amidst the operational demands of a global motorsport enterprise, underscored his deep roots in the region.
Our designated route then began in earnest, guiding us south of Cockermouth, through the hamlet of Brackenthwaite, and alongside the majestic slopes of Grasmoor and the serene waters of Crummock Water. The road began to weave and undulate, demanding precise inputs and rewarding careful observation. As we paused for a brief photographic interlude, the stark beauty of the landscape, enhanced by the autumnal hues of the fallen leaves carpeting the roadside, was undeniable. Piloting the Aston Martin DBX S, I found myself consciously modulating my inputs, acutely aware of the car’s considerable power and the presence of oncoming traffic on these increasingly narrow stretches. Up ahead, the Wilsons, in their respective machines, appeared to be embracing the driving experience with unbridled enthusiasm, their progress a testament to their mastery of dynamic driving. The robust V8 soundtrack of the Aston, however, provided a powerful and deeply satisfying auditory accompaniment to the visual spectacle.
The ascent towards Honister Pass was a dramatic revelation. Even under a sodden sky, the sheer scale and raw beauty of the environment were awe-inspiring. Rainwater cascaded down the steepest sections of the road, creating a scene that felt almost mythical, evoking imagery from the realms of fantasy literature. Enormous boulders, seemingly dislodged by ancient forces, littered the valley floor, adding to the dramatic tableau. At the summit, the entrance to a disused slate mine, now repurposed as the Sky Hi Cafe, stood as a stoic marker.
“If this were tourist season, we wouldn’t be here,” Malcolm explained as we paused for coffee, a pragmatic observation that highlighted the seasonal influx of visitors to this area. Honister Pass, he noted, becomes exceptionally busy with cyclists and mountain bikers, and its narrow, serpentine nature requires careful navigation. Despite these potential challenges, the sheer driving pleasure offered by the pass, when timed correctly, is undeniable. It was during this respite that Malcolm recounted a childhood memory of collecting slate for a fireplace at his family home in Workington, a task that involved a precarious descent with van doors wedged open, a stark illustration of the demanding conditions faced by those who lived and worked in this rugged terrain.
Reluctantly, Malcolm relinquished the driver’s seat of the Audi Quattro, a decision that allowed for a further exchange of vehicles. “I owned two Quattro road cars when I was driving for Audi Sport in the 1980s,” he reminisced, “but they lacked the refinement of this 20-valve model. The turbo lag was considerably more pronounced; power delivery was either an abrupt surge or a complete absence. This iteration,” he continued, gesturing towards the Quattro, “is a significant improvement.”
With this transition, Malcolm took the helm of the Aston Martin DBX S, while Matthew assumed command of the Audi, and I found myself behind the wheel of the Toyota GR Yaris. Our descent from Honister Pass, heading east towards Seatoller, revealed a widening of the road and a gentler gradient, allowing for more spirited progress. We continued through Borrowdale, tracing the path of the River Derwent. The panoramic views from the windscreen remained breathtaking, with the imposing peak of Scafell Pike a constant, majestic presence.
The character of the drive then underwent a subtle but significant transformation. As we skirted the picturesque town of Keswick and proceeded north past Bassenthwaite and Dodd Wood, turning north-east towards Uldale and Caldbeck, the landscape transitioned from mountainous grandeur to expansive moorland. The tourist traffic, a characteristic feature of the more popular routes, evaporated, replaced by longer, straighter stretches of road offering excellent visibility. This terrain, it transpired, was intimately familiar to Malcolm Wilson, serving as one of his favored testing grounds. His pace noticeably quickened, a testament to his intimate knowledge of these roads and his ability to anticipate the absence of slower vehicles. The presence of fast, cambered corners and undulating gradients ensured that the driving experience remained dynamic and engaging. Malcolm later confirmed that these routes also provided a more efficient and enjoyable passage to the M6 motorway to the east, circumventing the often congested A66.
After a few exhilarating miles, we pulled into a spacious gravel car park, facilitating another car swap. Minutes later, a further exchange allowed for the sharing of initial impressions and feedback. Malcolm expressed profound admiration for the Aston Martin DBX S, particularly its ability to deliver such composed and accessible performance despite its considerable size and weight. He also lauded the Toyota GR Yaris for its sheer driving enjoyment, although he voiced reservations regarding the car’s deluge of digital information and electronic alerts, questioning the necessity of such constant data bombardment for the driver.
However, it was the Audi Quattro 20v that truly captivated both Malcolm and Matthew. They were astounded by how its performance characteristics, so relevant and engaging even decades after its inception, still resonated. They marveled at its progressive grip, precise steering, compliant ride, and balanced handling when driven with the appropriate level of commitment. Crucially, they noted its palpable sense of aliveness and driver connection, a quality that often feels attenuated in more modern, electronically sophisticated vehicles. This appreciation for the Quattro’s enduring appeal speaks volumes about its engineering brilliance and its lasting impact on the automotive world.
Our expedition concluded with a short drive back to M-Sport, both Malcolm and Matthew having fulfilled a delightful dual role as impromptu petrolhead tour guides. The minor detour from their demanding schedules seemed a welcome one, a chance to indulge in their shared passion for driving and for showcasing the exceptional roads that the Lake District has to offer. This immersive journey, traversing some of the UK’s most iconic driving landscapes in a trio of performance automotive icons, underscored the timeless appeal of dynamic driving and the enduring legacy of rally-inspired engineering.
For those seeking to replicate this extraordinary experience, or to discover their own favorite driving routes within the Lake District and beyond, consider engaging with local automotive tour operators or performance driving schools. Exploring the potential of your own vehicle on meticulously selected roads, perhaps with a guided tour that highlights unique regional features, can elevate a simple drive into an unforgettable adventure.
Discover the thrill of exceptional driving. Plan your next automotive journey today.
