Conquering Cumbria’s Curves: A Rally Legend’s Guide to the Lake District’s Ultimate Driving Roads
For a decade, I’ve navigated the demanding circuits and challenging terrains of the automotive world, from meticulously crafted performance vehicles to the exhilarating chase of automotive innovation. My passion lies in uncovering those rare jewels – the driving roads that resonate with performance enthusiasts and offer an unparalleled connection between machine and asphalt. Recently, a unique opportunity arose, leading me to the breathtaking Lake District of the United Kingdom, not merely as an observer, but as a participant in a curated exploration guided by a true titan of motorsport. This isn’t just about scenic drives; it’s about identifying the best roads Lake District offers for a spirited drive, a quest I’ve undertaken with three exceptional, all-wheel-drive performance machines and a legend of British rallying.
The allure of the Lake District, with its dramatic fells, shimmering waters, and perpetually dramatic skies, is undeniable. While often associated with serene contemplation and the gentle rhythm of walkers and cyclists, beneath this tranquil surface lies a network of tarmac that can ignite the passion of any true driver. The key, as I’ve learned over countless miles, is not just possessing potent machinery, but understanding the landscape and its nuances. This expedition sought to marry the capabilities of modern automotive marvels with the timeless appeal of the United Kingdom’s most celebrated driving region, focusing on the best roads Lake District has to offer.
Our base for this endeavor was the esteemed M-Sport facility at Dovenby Hall, a hub of motorsport excellence. As the morning mist lifted, a fascinating trio of vehicles awaited: a brand-new, potent Aston Martin DBX S boasting a formidable 717 bhp; a sprightly, near-new Toyota GR Yaris with its 276 bhp; and a classic, yet undeniably compelling, 1989 Audi Quattro 20v, delivering a spirited 217 bhp. This eclectic mix, spanning decades of engineering prowess and distinct driving philosophies, was designed to appeal to a very specific palate – that of a bona fide rally champion, a figure synonymous with mastering the very essence of controlled aggression on challenging surfaces.
The individual we had the distinct honor of inviting to share his unparalleled local knowledge and driving insights was none other than Malcolm Wilson OBE. A figure of immense stature in the motorsport world, Wilson’s CV reads like a chronicle of success: British rally champion, renowned rally test driver, accomplished rally team manager, a driving force behind M-Sport’s global dominance, and, most recently, FIA Deputy President for Sport. While a Tuesday drive might not be his typical schedule, my previous encounters with Wilson, particularly during a recent “Britain’s Best Driver’s Car” shootout held in this very region, hinted at a deep-seated appreciation for exceptional driving machinery and the roads that showcase it. His known fondness for the Aston Martin DBX 707, a predecessor to the DBX S, and the undeniable rallying heritage embodied by the Toyota GR Yaris, suggested a genuine interest in our curated selection.
The Audi Quattro, a slightly more serendipitous addition to our convoy, required a brief jump-start, a gentle reminder of its vintage charm. Yet, it was this very car that commanded Malcolm Wilson’s immediate attention. He gravitated towards it with an almost instinctive pull, eschewing the allure of the more contemporary machines. This preference immediately set the tone for our exploration of the best roads Lake District has to offer. His son, Matthew Wilson, a highly accomplished rally driver in his own right, with multiple top-five finishes in the World Rally Championship and currently leading the M-Sport Dakar team, and I exchanged knowing glances. The unspoken understanding was clear: Malcolm would be piloting the Quattro, leaving us to divide the spoils of the Aston Martin DBX S and the Toyota GR Yaris.
Our mission was straightforward yet deeply engaging: to trace the footsteps of two prominent petrolheads of the Lake District and uncover the routes that define their most exhilarating driving experiences. Autocar’s forays into this picturesque corner of the UK are relatively infrequent, but recent experiences had ignited a renewed curiosity. This region, I’ve always maintained, is where local expertise truly shines, particularly when navigating its picturesque byways, avoiding the inevitable throngs of tourists, cyclists, and walkers that define its popular appeal.
As we departed the M-Sport premises, I found myself at the helm of the Aston Martin DBX S, strategically positioned to observe the unfolding spectacle. Malcolm Wilson, in the Quattro, wasted no time. The classic Audi, with its distinctive warble and purposeful stance, quickly began to recede into the distance. Matthew, ever the skilled pursuit driver, maintained an enthusiastic pace in his chosen steed, setting a tempo that promised an engaging day. The early stages of our journey saw us traversing the charming streets of Cockermouth. Malcolm, with his windows down, engaged in friendly greetings with familiar faces, a testament to his enduring connection with the local community. It was a charming interlude, a reminder of the human element intertwined with the thrill of the drive.
Soon, our true exploration of the best roads Lake District began. Heading south from Cockermouth, we wound our way through picturesque hamlets like Brackenthwaite, the road artfully hugging the imposing flank of Grasmoor and the serene shores of Crummock Water. The tarmac itself began to engage, twisting and turning in a delightful dance with the landscape. Amidst the autumnal splendor, with fallen leaves forming vibrant carpets along the roadside, I found myself instinctively managing the considerable power of the Aston Martin, acutely aware of oncoming traffic on the narrow, sinuous stretches. Up ahead, the dynamic duo of Wilson Sr. and Jr. seemed to be relishing the uninhibited joy of the drive, their progress unburdened by the constraints I was navigating. At least, I could revel in the deep, resonant V8 soundtrack emanating from the DBX S.
Our trajectory pointed towards the legendary Honister Pass. Even under a decidedly sodden sky, the vista was breathtaking, a landscape that Arthur C. Clarke might have conjured. Rainwater cascaded down the steepest inclines, and colossal rocks, seemingly dislodged from the heavens, littered the valley floor. At the summit, the weathered entrance to an old slate mine, now a charming cafe, stood as a stoic sentinel. “If it were tourist season, we wouldn’t be here,” Matthew explained as he procured coffees. The Honister Pass, as he noted, transforms into a bustling thoroughfare for cyclists and mountain bikers, its narrow, serpentine nature demanding particular respect. Nevertheless, for those who time their visit judiciously, it offers an undeniably rewarding experience.
During our brief respite, Malcolm shared a poignant anecdote about collecting slate for his family’s fireplace as a child, recalling his father’s instructions to keep the van’s doors wedged open, a cautionary measure in case of brake failure on such steep gradients. This story underscored the inherent challenges and the raw, untamed nature of this region, which in turn shapes the character of its best roads Lake District.
Reluctantly, Malcolm conceded the driver’s seat of the Quattro. “I owned two Quattro road cars when I was driving for Audi Sport in the 80s,” he reminisced, “but they lacked the refinement of this 20-valve. The turbo lag was significant; power delivery was binary – either on or off. This iteration is vastly superior.” His appreciation for the Quattro’s evolution, and its continued relevance even today, was palpable.
With the exchange complete, Malcolm slid into the Aston Martin DBX S, Matthew took the reins of the Audi, and I settled into the focused cockpit of the Toyota GR Yaris. As we descended the eastern flank of Honister Pass towards Seatoller, the road broadened, its gradients and radii gentling, allowing for a more assertive pace. We then proceeded through Borrowdale, tracing the course of the River Derwent northward. The panoramic views from the windscreen remained consistently epic, with the imposing silhouette of Scafell Pike visible to the driver’s side.
The character of the drive soon underwent a dramatic transformation. After navigating the pleasant town center of Keswick, we continued north past Bassenthwaite and Dodd Wood, turning north-east towards Uldale and Caldbeck. The landscape shifted from rugged mountain terrain to expansive moorland. The tourist traffic vanished, replaced by long, straight stretches of road with excellent visibility, ideal for spirited driving. This, Malcolm later revealed, was a familiar territory, one of his preferred test routes, explaining his heightened pace and evident familiarity with the nuances of the tarmac. He expertly navigated blind crests and sweeping cambered corners, his confidence in the absence of slower traffic allowing for an uninhibited expression of the car’s capabilities. This route, he confessed, also serves as his preferred artery to access the M6 to the east, bypassing the congested A66.
After a few exhilarating miles, we pulled into a spacious gravel car park to swap vehicles once more. A short while later, another exchange allowed for a debrief and the sharing of impressions. Malcolm’s admiration for the Aston Martin DBX S was profound. He lauded its ability to mask its considerable size, weight, and speed, making it remarkably benign and accessible to drive. He also expressed a fondness for the Toyota GR Yaris, appreciating its inherent playfulness. However, he voiced a mild critique regarding the deluge of information and electronic notifications the Yaris presented to its driver, questioning the necessity of such constant data streams.
Yet, it was the Audi Quattro that truly captured the enthusiasm of both Malcolm and Matthew. They marveled at how its performance envelope, even by contemporary standards, felt so perfectly aligned with the demands of public roads. Its ability to deliver progressive grip, precise steering, and compliant damping when subjected to a judicious amount of speed was particularly noteworthy. They also highlighted its tangible sense of aliveness, a characteristic that often feels diminished in more modern, overly refined vehicles. The best roads Lake District, when combined with such a historically significant and dynamically capable machine, offered a truly special driving experience.
Our journey concluded with a relatively short drive back to M-Sport, both Wilsons undoubtedly ready to re-engage with their demanding schedules. Yet, the unspoken sentiment was clear: the hours spent as impromptu petrolhead guides, showcasing the best roads Lake District has to offer, were far from a burden. This exploration, for me, solidified the enduring appeal of mastering challenging terrains with potent, engaging machinery.
If you’re inspired to discover your own thrilling drives, whether in the Lake District or closer to home, consider exploring the latest performance vehicles designed for such exhilarating experiences. Contact your local Aston Martin dealer, visit a Toyota dealership for a GR Yaris test drive, or perhaps even seek out a classic Audi Quattro specialist to understand the heritage that shaped modern performance driving. The road awaits.
