Conquering the Fells: A Symphony of Speed on Britain’s Most Legendary Drives
For those who believe the open road is a canvas for automotive artistry, few regions paint as vivid a picture as the United Kingdom’s Lake District. Renowned for its dramatic landscapes and notoriously capricious weather, this area offers a driving experience that is both exhilarating and deeply rewarding. This past Tuesday, amidst the ethereal mists and verdant fells, a unique gathering took place, uniting an Aston Martin DBX S, a Toyota GR Yaris, and a classic Audi Quattro 20v, under the watchful eye and experienced guidance of one of Britain’s most esteemed figures in motorsport.
The premise was simple: to revisit some of the most iconic driving routes in the Lake District, not just with exceptional machinery, but with the unparalleled local knowledge of Malcolm Wilson OBE. A titan of the rally world, Wilson’s resume reads like a motorsport epic – from British rally champion and esteemed test driver to leading major rally teams, and now holding the distinguished position of FIA Deputy President for Sport. It’s a testament to the allure of the chosen vehicles and the magnetic pull of these beloved Cumbrian roads that he readily agreed to an impromptu tour.
Gathered at the impressive M-Sport facility at Dovenby Hall, the stage was set. The stars of the show were a formidable, 717bhp Aston Martin DBX S, a spirited 276bhp Toyota GR Yaris – a car M-Sport itself has considerable history with in the World Rally Championship – and the venerable 217bhp Audi Quattro 20v, a machine that practically defined the term ‘rally car for the road.’ While the Aston Martin and the GR Yaris represent the pinnacle of modern automotive performance and engineering, it was the classic Audi Quattro that immediately captured Malcolm Wilson’s attention. After a brief reminder of its battery location and a successful jump-start, he claimed the driver’s seat, a clear indication of his preference for the analogue charm of this motorsport icon.
This set the tone for the day. With Malcolm Wilson at the helm of the Quattro, his son, Matthew Wilson, a world-class rally driver in his own right and current team boss for the M-Sport Dakar team, and I were left to navigate the Aston Martin DBX S and the Toyota GR Yaris, respectively. Our shared mission: to follow the path of two of the Lake District’s most passionate automotive enthusiasts and uncover the definitive routes for exhilarating drives. Autocar’s presence in this region, though infrequent, has always been reignited by the sheer driving pleasure it offers. Navigating these roads effectively, especially when aiming to circumvent the inevitable throngs of tourists, requires an intimate understanding of the local terrain – an advantage Malcolm Wilson possesses in spades.
The journey commenced, with the Quattro leading the charge. Even with a relatively new Aston Martin DBX S at my disposal, Malcolm’s brisk pace in the Audi meant I was already working to keep the V8 soundtrack engaged. The initial leg through Cockermouth was a masterclass in local celebrity. Malcolm, with his windows down, greeted numerous familiar faces, eliciting warm smiles from locals who clearly hold him in high regard. It’s a heartwarming reminder that even amidst the global scale of his motorsport endeavors, his roots and connections to the Cumbrian community remain profoundly strong.
From the bustling town, our route unfolded southward, embracing the dramatic scenery. We skirted the imposing flank of Grasmoor and skirted the tranquil waters of Crummock Water. The road began its playful dance, a sinuous ribbon winding through the landscape. The fallen leaves, clinging to their vibrant autumnal hues, created a stunning visual spectacle, a stark contrast to the damp, cool November air. Driving the DBX S, a vehicle of immense power and presence, through these narrow, winding lanes, demanded a mindful application of its considerable capabilities. Every oncoming vehicle necessitated a moment of held breath and careful modulation of the throttle. Up ahead, the Wilsons, father and son, seemed to revel in the sheer joy of it all, their pace in the lead cars a constant, engaging challenge.
The ascent towards Honister Pass was an experience in itself. Even under a sky weeping rain, the landscape took on a primal, almost mythical quality. Streams of water cascaded down the steep inclines, and immense rocks lay scattered across the valley, testaments to nature’s raw power. At the summit, the entrance to an old slate mine, now a welcoming café, stood as a solitary sentinel. As Matthew explained, this particular route, while breathtaking, is often best enjoyed outside peak tourist season due to its narrow, serpentine nature and the influx of cyclists and mountain bikers. Even Malcolm shared a childhood memory of collecting slate from these very mines, a tale that underscored the enduring connection between the community and its dramatic environment.
It was a poignant moment when Malcolm relinquished the driver’s seat of the Quattro. He reminisced about his days driving for Audi Sport in the 1980s, recalling his previous Quattro road cars. “They weren’t 20-valve models like this,” he noted, “and they had significantly more turbo lag. The power delivery was much more of an on-or-off affair, requiring a constant wait. This iteration is vastly superior.” This observation, coming from a man who has sampled the very best in automotive performance for decades, speaks volumes about the enduring appeal and remarkable engineering of this classic machine.
Our journey continued, with roles reversed. Malcolm, now at the helm of the Aston Martin DBX S, Matthew in the Quattro, and I taking the wheel of the Toyota GR Yaris. Descending the eastern side of Honister Pass towards Seatoller, the road gradually widened, the gradients and radii became more forgiving, allowing for a more spirited drive. The route then led us through Borrowdale, tracing the course of the River Derwent, with the majestic peaks of Scafell Pike occasionally peeking over the windscreen.
The scenery shifted as we continued north past Keswick, Bassenthwaite, and Dodd Wood, eventually turning northeast towards Uldale and Caldbeck. Here, the landscape transitioned from rugged mountain terrain to expansive moorland. The tourist traffic vanished, replaced by straighter stretches of road, offering excellent visibility and a sense of profound isolation. This, it became evident, was a familiar haunt for Malcolm. His pace quickened with a palpable sense of comfort and expertise, navigating fast, cambered corners and undulating gradients with an innate understanding of the road’s character. He later confirmed this was a preferred route for avoiding the busy A66 when heading towards the M6, showcasing its strategic as well as its sporting merits.
After several exhilarating miles, we paused at a spacious gravel car park to swap vehicles once more and exchange impressions. Malcolm, ever the astute observer, was effusive in his praise for the Aston Martin DBX S, particularly impressed by how such a substantial and powerful vehicle could be engineered to feel so manageable and benign. He also acknowledged the sheer exuberance of the Toyota GR Yaris, appreciating its inherent fun-to-drive nature, though he expressed a slight reservation about the overwhelming volume of digital information it presents to the driver. “Who needs to know all that?” he mused, a sentiment that resonated with the desire for a more pure, analogue driving experience.
However, the real stars of the post-drive discussion were undoubtedly the Audi Quattro. Both Malcolm and Matthew were captivated by how its performance characteristics, even decades after its inception, felt so perfectly suited for road driving. They marveled at its progressive grip, its intuitive steering, and its compliant ride and handling, all of which came alive with just the right amount of momentum. Compared to the hyper-sophisticated modern machinery, the Quattro offered a unique sense of connection and engagement – a raw, visceral experience that underscored its legendary status.
The drive back to M-Sport was a short one for both Malcolm and Matthew, their afternoon now tinged with the satisfying exhaustion of impromptu petrolhead tour guides. It was clear, however, that the experience had been more than just a distraction; it was a reaffirmation of their shared passion for driving and for the unique automotive treasures that grace the roads of the Lake District.
This expedition, more than just a test drive, was a deep dive into the soul of driving pleasure. It highlighted the timeless appeal of well-engineered machinery, the profound connection between man and machine, and the enduring magic of the open road, especially when explored with seasoned expertise. Whether you’re drawn to the raw power of a modern supercar, the agile agility of a rally-bred hot hatch, or the classic charm of a legendary performance car, the Lake District offers a driving experience that transcends mere transportation, offering an unforgettable journey for any true automotive enthusiast.
Ready to discover your own legendary drive? Explore the exquisite performance vehicles that can make every journey an adventure. Contact your local dealership or visit our website to learn more about the Aston Martin DBX S, the Toyota GR Yaris, and other performance-focused automobiles designed to thrill.
