Navigating the Peaks: An Expert’s Guide to the Lake District’s Ultimate Driving Roads
The United Kingdom’s Lake District, a landscape sculpted by time and climate, offers a driving experience unlike any other. For decades, these winding roads, dramatic vistas, and unpredictable weather patterns have tested both man and machine. As a seasoned automotive professional with a decade of hands-on experience, I’ve traversed countless routes, but few rival the raw, visceral appeal of the Lake District. Today, we’re not just exploring—we’re delving into what makes these roads legendary, guided by insights from individuals who have shaped motorsport history.
Rainfall is as integral to the Lake District’s identity as its fells and lakes. It imbues the landscape with a particular mood, enhances its emerald hues, and, crucially, transforms its asphalt arteries into exhilarating challenges. Fortunately, our expedition is equipped for such conditions. We’ve assembled a triumvirate of potent, all-wheel-drive performance vehicles: the commanding 717bhp Aston Martin DBX S, the spirited 276bhp Toyota GR Yaris, and the iconic 217bhp 1989 Audi Quattro 20v.
These aren’t just cars; they are carefully selected instruments designed to interact with the demanding terrain. Accompanying them are drivers whose credentials speak volumes. While two possess pedigrees forged in the crucible of international rallying, the third, though enthusiastic, rounds out our driving ensemble.
Our starting point, Dovenby Hall in Cumbria, the esteemed headquarters of M-Sport, provides a fitting backdrop. It’s here, amidst a collection of automotive treasures, that our expedition truly begins. The mere presence of these vehicles and the potential to explore the Lake District’s legendary driving routes is enough to draw out a figure of considerable influence: Malcolm Wilson OBE. For those unfamiliar, Wilson’s career is a masterclass in automotive dedication. He is a former rally champion, a renowned rally test driver, a highly successful rally team manager and principal, a significant figure in UK motorsport, and, as of last year, the FIA Deputy President for Sport. It’s a resume that commands respect, and it’s clear that any invitation to experience the Lake District’s best roads would need to be exceptional to capture his attention.
Having engaged with Malcolm previously at Autocar’s Britain’s Best Driver’s Car shootout, held in this very region and at M-Sport’s HQ, I harbored a strong suspicion that the Aston Martin DBX S might be a particular draw. Wilson has, after all, been a vocal admirer of the DBX 707, a testament to his appreciation for potent luxury SUVs. Furthermore, the road-going iteration of the compact powerhouse his team has fiercely competed against in the World Rally Championship – the Toyota GR Yaris – undoubtedly sparks a professional curiosity.
The inclusion of the Audi Quattro 20v, a legend in its own right, was somewhat an organic addition, a nod to the enduring spirit of rally-bred performance. In fact, it required a brief intervention this morning – a gentle reminder of its battery location and a quick boost. Yet, Malcolm’s immediate affinity for this classic machine was unmistakable. He gravitated towards it, almost bypassing the other two, and with a decisive air, claimed it as his own for the day.
Watching this unfold, his son, Matthew Wilson – himself a formidable force in rallying with numerous top-five World Rally Championship finishes and currently leading the M-Sport Dakar team – and I exchanged a knowing glance and a shared chuckle. The remaining vehicles were ours to command. Our objective: to discover the preferred routes and the ultimate driving roads within the Lake District, as curated by two of its most passionate automotive enthusiasts.
While Autocar’s focus often lies elsewhere, recent road testing has reignited our fascination with this region. Its unique character is inextricably linked to local knowledge, a critical element for navigating its charm while circumventing the inevitable congestion of tourists, cyclists, and walkers. The true essence of the Lake District’s driving experience lies in understanding its nuances, its less-travelled paths, and its hidden gems.
The Thrill of the Chase: Beginning the Journey
Settling into the Aston Martin DBX S at the rear of our convoy offered an unparalleled vantage point. It was an ideal position to observe the unfolding dynamics of our impromptu rally-style tour. The Audi Quattro, having benefited from a period of idling to replenish its battery, was already being coaxed into action by Malcolm. Before I had even fully settled into the Aston’s opulent cabin, the distinctive silhouette of the Quattro had begun to recede.
The distinctive warble and bob of the Audi’s engine, a sound synonymous with rally heritage, propelled it forward with an assertive pace. Matthew, a seasoned competitor, readily embraced the challenge, maintaining an enthusiastic pursuit. This immediately set the tone for the day: a blend of spirited driving and an exploration of the Lake District’s captivating landscapes.
Our initial passage through the heart of Cockermouth was no accident. Malcolm, with the windows of the Quattro wound down, engaged enthusiastically with locals, his waves and greetings met with genuine smiles, not just for him, but for the car he piloted. It was a clear demonstration of his enduring connection to the community, a stark contrast to any potential objections raised by those less enthused by M-Sport’s presence.
Our true exploration commenced south of town, winding through the quaint hamlet of Brackenthwaite. The road began its intimate dance with the imposing flank of Grasmoor and the serene expanse of Crummock Water. Here, the asphalt began to twist and turn, demanding precision and respect. We paused briefly for drive-by photography, the dramatic scenery providing a breathtaking backdrop, before pressing onward towards the village of Buttermere, skirting its tranquil lake and venturing through Gatesgarth.
It was mid-November, and the deciduous trees lining the lakeside woods still held onto their vibrant yellows and greens, their fallen leaves forming thick carpets along the roadside. Within the Aston Martin DBX S, a subconscious sense of caution permeated my driving, particularly when encountering oncoming traffic. The car’s formidable power was deployed with deliberate restraint. Up ahead, the Wilsons, father and son, appeared to be fully immersed in the exhilaration of the drive. While I experienced the commanding presence and the V8 soundtrack, their focus was clearly on the art of the drive itself.
Conquering Honister Pass: A Test of Nerve and Engineering
Our sights were set on Honister Pass, a landmark that, even on a rain-drenched morning, commands awe. Water cascaded down the steepest sections of the road, the surrounding landscape evoking images from a fantasy epic. Enormous boulders, dislodged by time and weather, lay scattered across the valley, testaments to nature’s raw power. At the summit, the weathered entrance to an old slate mine, now repurposed as the Sky Hi Café, stood marked by ancient stone plinths.
“If it were tourist season, we wouldn’t be here,” Matthew explained as he procured coffees. Honister Pass is a magnet for cyclists and mountain bikers, and Matthew himself is a frequent participant. The road is undeniably narrow and serpentine, a true test for any vehicle. Yet, its reward is immense, provided one times their visit judiciously.
During our brief respite, Malcolm recounted a childhood memory: a seven-year-old him collecting slate for his family home’s fireplace. “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!” This anecdote underscored the inherent risks associated with these magnificent, yet challenging, routes.
With a touch of reluctance, Malcolm ceded the driver’s seat of the Quattro. “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 considerably more turbo lag; the power delivery was very much an ‘on or off’ affair, and you really had to wait for it. This current iteration is so much better.” His appreciation for the evolution of this iconic model was palpable.
Shifting Gears and Shifting Perspectives
The dynamic shifted. Malcolm took the helm of the Aston Martin DBX S for the descent down the eastern side of Honister towards Seatoller. Here, the road widened, and its gradients and radii became more forgiving, allowing for a more spirited pace. We continued through Borrowdale, tracing the path of the River Derwent. The panoramic views through the windscreen remained consistently breathtaking, with the majestic peak of Scafell Pike framing the driver’s side.
The landscape soon transformed once more. The charming town center of Keswick gave way to the open expanses north of Bassenthwaite and Dodd Wood. A turn north-east at the lake’s northern tip led us towards Uldale and Caldbeck.
This region presented a more open, moorland character. The typical tourist traffic vanished, replaced by longer, straighter stretches of road, offering excellent visibility over crests. It was evident that this was a familiar haunt for Malcolm, a stretch he knew intimately, evidenced by his confident increase in pace. It was as if he had orchestrated the absence of agricultural vehicles and slower traffic, creating a private playground. The route presented fast, cambered corners and a generous array of gradients, ensuring that exhilaration was never far away. He later admitted that this was also his preferred route for accessing the M6 to the east, circumventing the congested A66.
After a few spirited miles, we pulled into a spacious gravel car park. It was time for another car swap, followed by a brief interlude to exchange initial impressions. Malcolm’s praise for the Aston Martin DBX S was effusive, particularly its ability to feel so manageable and intuitive despite its considerable size, weight, and prodigious speed. He also expressed a fondness for the Toyota GR Yaris, commending its inherent fun factor. However, he voiced a slight reservation regarding the overwhelming influx of information and electronic alerts that the Yaris bombards its driver with. “Who needs to know all that?” he queried, reflecting a sentiment shared by many enthusiasts who prioritize pure driving engagement.
The Enduring Appeal of a Legend
Both Malcolm and Matthew, however, reserved their most enthusiastic commentary for the Audi Quattro. They were astonished by how remarkably ‘correct’ its performance envelope felt, even by contemporary standards, and how seamlessly it began to offer grip, steering feedback, ride comfort, and handling prowess when coaxed with just the right amount of speed. Its aural feedback and the sheer sense of aliveness it conveyed, especially when compared to the more insulated experience of modern vehicles, was a revelation.
Our journey was drawing to a close. A short drive brought us back to M-Sport, concluding Malcolm and Matthew’s impromptu role as unpaid automotive ambassadors and tour guides for the day. Yet, I sensed neither of them begrudged the distraction. The opportunity to share their passion for driving, and for the remarkable roads of the Lake District, was clearly a reward in itself.
For anyone seeking an unparalleled driving experience, combining breathtaking scenery with the challenge of exceptional roads, the Lake District remains a premier destination. Understanding its nuances, timing your visit wisely, and perhaps even seeking guidance from those who know it best, can elevate your journey from a simple drive to an unforgettable adventure.
If the allure of these legendary roads has captured your imagination, and you’re eager to explore the Lake District’s ultimate driving experiences in a high-performance vehicle, now is the time to plan your expedition. Consider consulting with local automotive experts or performance driving schools that specialize in this region. They can provide invaluable insights, tailored routes, and even offer opportunities to experience these roads safely and exhilaratingly. Don’t just dream about the ultimate drive; make it a reality.
