Unleashing Performance: A Rally Legend’s Guide to Britain’s Most Thrilling Drives
As an industry veteran with a decade of immersion in the automotive world, I’ve learned that some roads, like some cars, possess a certain magic. They’re not just asphalt ribbons connecting point A to point B; they are canvases for driving pleasure, stages for mechanical artistry. And who better to guide us through these automotive nirvanas than someone who has mastered the rally world’s most unforgiving terrains? In this exploration, we delve into the heart of the United Kingdom’s most celebrated driving landscapes, not just with a trio of exceptional performance vehicles, but with a seasoned perspective that illuminates the true essence of driving engagement.
The allure of the Lake District, a region renowned for its dramatic vistas and unpredictable weather, is amplified when experienced through the lens of pure driving dynamics. Today, the heavens have opened, a quintessential Lake District greeting, but we’re not deterred. Instead, we embrace the challenge, flanked by a trio of potent, all-wheel-drive performance machines, piloted by drivers who understand the nuance of pushing machinery to its exhilarating limits.
Our starting point is the hallowed ground of M-Sport’s Dovenby Hall collection in Cumbria. Here, a formidable lineup awaits: a brand-new Aston Martin DBX S, boasting a colossal 717 horsepower; a sprightly, near-new Toyota GR Yaris, delivering a focused 276 horsepower; and the iconic, if somewhat vintage, 1989 Audi Quattro 20v, packing a respectable 217 horsepower. This curated collection is precisely the kind of automotive symphony that might coax a true motorsport titan out for a spirited drive.
We’re joined by Malcolm Wilson OBE, a figure whose career transcends mere driving. He’s a celebrated rally champion, a meticulous test driver, a visionary team principal, a driving force behind UK motorsport, and even holds a significant position as the FIA deputy president for sport. His presence lends an unparalleled depth to our automotive pilgrimage. Having recently connected with Malcolm during a crucial Britain’s Best Driver’s Car shootout held in this very region and at M-Sport’s headquarters, a strong intuition suggested that the Aston Martin, a marque he has a fondness for (having owned a DBX 707 previously), might pique his interest. Equally, the road-going iteration of the diminutive Toyota that M-Sport has fiercely competed against in the World Rally Championship in recent years, could well capture his expert eye.
The Audi Quattro, a nostalgic nod to a golden era of rally-inspired performance, was almost an afterthought in our selection. In fact, it required a brief jump-start this morning, a gentle reminder of its classic roots and the location of its 12V battery. Yet, to our surprise, it’s Malcolm who gravitates towards the Quattro, bypassing the other two with an almost immediate connection. He claims the driver’s seat, signaling his intention to steer the course of our adventure. His son, Matthew Wilson – a world-class rally driver with multiple top WRC finishes and the current team boss for the M-Sport Dakar team – and I exchange a knowing glance and a shared smile. The remaining two machines, the Aston Martin DBX S and the Toyota GR Yaris, fall to us. Our objective is clear: to uncover the preferred driving routes and iconic roads of two of the Lake District’s most passionate automotive enthusiasts.
While Autocar doesn’t frequent these northern landscapes as often as we might like, recent road tests have reignited our fascination. This is precisely the sort of territory where intimate local knowledge unlocks the most rewarding experiences, particularly in navigating the often-congested tourist arteries and finding those hidden gems.
The Aston Martin DBX S: A Superintendent of Speed on the Lakeside Lanes
Settling into the sumptuous interior of the Aston Martin DBX S at the rear of our three-car convoy offers an unparalleled vantage point to absorb the unfolding scenery and the driving dynamics of the cars ahead. The Audi Quattro, having benefited from a period of idling to replenish its battery, is already making its presence felt. Even before we’ve fully cleared the driveway of Dovenby Hall, the distinct silhouette of the Quattro, a design that has transcended decades, is disappearing into the distance.
Malcolm, at the helm of the Quattro, sets an enthusiast’s pace, a clear indication of the tone for the day. As we navigate the initial stretches, the Aston Martin DBX S proves to be a remarkably composed companion. Despite its considerable bulk and prodigious power, the DBX S masters the winding lanes with an agility that belies its dimensions. The adaptive suspension system works overtime, smoothing out imperfections in the tarmac and providing a surprisingly engaging connection to the road surface. The V8 engine’s basso profundo soundtrack, a symphony of controlled aggression, fills the cabin, a constant reminder of the immense performance lurking beneath the elegant exterior.
The initial leg of our journey takes us south of Cockermouth, through the quaint hamlet of Brackenthwaite. We emerge alongside the majestic presence of Grasmoor and the tranquil expanse of Crummock Water. The road begins its characteristic dance, twisting and turning, revealing breathtaking vistas at every bend. We pause briefly for some dynamic photography, capturing the interplay of machine and landscape, before pressing onward towards the picturesque village of Buttermere, skirting its serene shores and passing through Gatesgarth.
It’s mid-November, and the lakeside woodlands are ablaze with the vibrant hues of autumn foliage. Fallen leaves, piled high on either side of the road, create a vivid carpet of yellows and greens. Navigating these narrower sections in the Aston Martin DBX S, I find myself subconsciously holding my breath when meeting oncoming traffic, exercising a degree of restraint with the car’s substantial performance reserves. Observing Malcolm and Matthew forging ahead in their respective machines, it’s evident they are relishing the freedom their lighter, more agile vehicles offer, at least for this initial phase. Yet, the sheer sonic drama and refined luxury of the Aston Martin DBX S provide their own unique brand of satisfaction.
Honister Pass: A Test of Nerve and Engineering Prowess
Our sights are set on the legendary Honister Pass, a natural amphitheater of dramatic geology that commands awe, even on this rain-soaked morning. The water cascades down the steepest sections of the road, transforming the landscape into something out of a Tolkien epic. Gigantic boulders litter the valley floor, appearing as if jettisoned from the heavens. At the summit, the entrance to an old slate mine, now the Sky Hi Cafe, is marked by imposing stone plinths, a testament to the area’s industrial heritage.
“If this were tourist season, we wouldn’t be here,” Matthew explains, as he procures our coffees. The pass becomes incredibly congested with cyclists and mountain bikers, a scene Matthew himself often participates in. The road is notoriously narrow and serpentine, demanding absolute precision. Nevertheless, the Honister Pass is an unmissable destination, provided one times their visit judiciously.
During our brief respite, Malcolm recounts a vivid childhood memory: collecting slate for the fireplace at his family home in Workington. He recalls his father being advised to keep the van’s sliding doors wedged open on the descent, a stark reminder of the perilous braking capabilities of vehicles from that era. “They told my dad to keep the sliding doors of the van wedged open as we drove down, so we could dive out if the brakes failed!” he reminisces.
Reluctantly, we coax Malcolm from the driver’s seat of the Quattro. “I had two Quattro road cars when I was driving for Audi Sport in the 80s,” he muses, “but they weren’t 20-valves like this. They had a lot more turbo lag: the power was very much on or off, and you really had to wait for it. This one is so much better.” This sentiment highlights the evolutionary leaps in performance and drivability even within iconic models.
The Toyota GR Yaris: A Rally Homage Unleashed on Open Roads
As we transition, Malcolm takes the helm of the Aston Martin DBX S, Matthew assumes control of the Audi Quattro, and I claim the spirited Toyota GR Yaris. We descend the eastern flank of Honister towards Seatoller. Here, the road widens, and the gradients and radii become more forgiving, allowing for a more liberated pace. We continue through Borrowdale, tracing the course of the River Derwent northward. The panoramic views through the windscreen remain consistently breathtaking, with the imposing silhouette of Scafell Pike visible to the driver’s side.
The character of the landscape soon transforms. Keswick’s charming town center is swiftly traversed, followed by a drive past Bassenthwaite and Dodd Wood. At the northern tip of the lake, we veer north-east, charting a course towards Uldale and Caldbeck.
Suddenly, the terrain shifts from mountainous grandeur to expansive moorland. The ubiquitous tourist traffic dissipates, replaced by longer, straighter stretches of road, offering excellent visibility for anticipating crests and upcoming turns. This is clearly a route familiar to Malcolm’s rally testing days, evidenced by the immediate increase in pace and an almost intuitive familiarity with the road’s contours. It’s as if he’s orchestrated the absence of slow-moving farm vehicles and MPVs, creating a private playground. The road presents a thrilling combination of fast, cambered corners and invigorating gradients, ensuring sustained driver engagement. He later confirms this route as his preferred passage to the M6 to the east, effectively circumventing the heavily trafficked A66. The Toyota GR Yaris, in this environment, truly shines. Its compact dimensions, sharp steering, and potent turbocharged engine make it feel incredibly alive and responsive. Every flick of the steering wheel, every blip of the throttle, is met with an immediate and eager reaction. It’s a car that encourages enthusiastic driving, rewarding the pilot with an infectious sense of fun.
After a few exhilarating miles, we pull into a spacious gravel car park, a designated rendezvous point for our first car swap. Minutes later, another swap allows us to exchange initial impressions and consolidate our experiences. Malcolm expresses profound admiration for the Aston Martin DBX S, particularly its remarkable ability to balance its considerable size, weight, and speed with an almost effortless docility and ease of handling. He also acknowledges the Toyota GR Yaris, commending its sheer driving enjoyment. However, he voices a slight reservation regarding the car’s deluge of information and electronic feedback, questioning the necessity of such an abundance of data for the driver. “Who needs to know all that?” he queries.
The Enduring Legacy of the Audi Quattro 20v
Both Malcolm and Matthew, however, are particularly animated when discussing the Audi Quattro 20v. They express astonishment at how its performance envelope remains so remarkably suited to real-world driving, even decades after its inception. They marvel at its seamless initial grip, its predictable steering response, its compliant ride, and its engaging handling characteristics, all of which come alive with just the right application of speed. They highlight its visceral sense of mechanical connection, a quality often diluted in contemporary performance vehicles. The Audi Quattro 20v, in its raw, unadulterated form, offers a driving experience that resonates deeply with enthusiasts who value mechanical purity and driver involvement above all else.
From our current position, it’s a brief return to M-Sport for both Malcolm and Matthew, their afternoons now punctuated by a few hours spent as unofficial, unpaid automotive tour guides. Yet, I sense neither of them begrudged the impromptu diversion. The joy of sharing these iconic roads and exceptional machines, particularly with fellow enthusiasts, is a reward in itself.
This journey has underscored a fundamental truth: the ultimate driving experience isn’t solely defined by horsepower figures or technological wizardry. It’s a nuanced interplay of machine, environment, and the driver’s connection to the road. It’s about experiencing the symphony of a roaring V8, the precise dance of a rally-bred icon, and the sheer, unadulterated fun of a compact hot hatch.
If the call of these legendary roads resonates with your own passion for driving, whether you’re seeking a weekend escape or exploring the performance capabilities of your own vehicle, there are resources available to help you plan your ultimate driving adventure.
Ready to chart your own course? Begin by researching local driving clubs, specialist tour operators, or reputable automotive publications that focus on regional driving routes. Engaging with these resources can provide invaluable insights into discovering the most rewarding drives in your area and beyond.
