Mastering the Majestic: A Rally Legend’s Guide to the United Kingdom’s Ultimate Driving Roads
For a decade, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the automotive world from the driver’s seat, dissecting performance, and understanding the intricate dance between machine and asphalt. Throughout my career, I’ve seen trends shift, technologies evolve, and the very definition of a “great driving road” debated endlessly. Today, I’m thrilled to bring you a perspective not just from my own extensive experience, but also through the eyes of a true icon – a rally legend whose intimate knowledge of the United Kingdom’s tarmac is as profound as his championship pedigree. We’re embarking on a journey through the Lake District, a region celebrated for its breathtaking vistas and, as we’ll discover, some of its most exhilarating stretches of road.
The allure of the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is undeniable. Its dramatic fells, shimmering lakes, and ancient stone villages create a landscape that feels both timeless and profoundly alive. This, however, also means it attracts its fair share of admirers, from avid hikers and cyclists to casual tourists. Navigating these cherished routes requires a nuanced understanding, a touch of local insight, and, crucially, the right machinery. Thankfully, our expedition is equipped with a trio of performance vehicles that represent distinct eras and philosophies of driving prowess, ready to tackle the unpredictable British weather and the sinuous contours of Cumbria.
Our convoy consists of a formidable Aston Martin DBX S, boasting an impressive 717 horsepower; a spirited Toyota GR Yaris, a rally-bred marvel with 276 horsepower that has captured the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide; and a classic, a 1989 Audi Quattro 20v, a legendary nameplate delivering 217 horsepower, a car that redefined automotive engineering and rallying itself. Accompanying me are two drivers whose credentials precede them: Malcolm Wilson OBE, a figure synonymous with British rallying success, a former rally driver, and the driving force behind M-Sport, a powerhouse in the World Rally Championship and beyond; and his son, Matthew Wilson, a accomplished rally driver in his own right and a key figure within the M-Sport Dakar team.
Malcolm Wilson’s schedule is a testament to his unwavering dedication to motorsport. However, a recent encounter at Autocar’s prestigious “Britain’s Best Driver’s Car” event, held in this very region and at M-Sport’s headquarters, hinted at a potential for him to join us for a more leisurely, yet no less enthusiastic, exploration. His known appreciation for the Aston Martin DBX 707, a close relative to our DBX S, coupled with the familial connection to the Toyota GR Yaris, a car his team actively competes against in WRC, piqued his interest.
The Audi Quattro, a veteran of motoring history, initially seemed an incidental addition to our lineup. Indeed, it required a minor resuscitation of its 12V battery earlier this morning, a gentle reminder of its vintage. Yet, as the cars were presented outside M-Sport’s impressive showroom at Dovenby Hall, it was the Quattro that immediately commanded Malcolm’s attention. He gravitated towards it, a clear indication of its enduring appeal, and decisively claimed its driver’s seat. Matthew and I exchanged amused glances, accepting the distribution of the remaining exceptional vehicles. Our objective was clear: to uncover the preferred driving roads of two of the Lake District’s most passionate automotive connoisseurs, routes that might elude the average visitor.
While Autocar frequently tests vehicles across the globe, our focus on the Lake District is a recent rekindling of interest, driven by the exceptional driving dynamics we’ve encountered here. This is an area where local knowledge is paramount, not only for discovering hidden gems but also for artfully circumventing the congestion that can detract from the experience. The interplay of challenging topography and unpredictable weather conditions in the Lake District presents a unique proving ground for any performance vehicle.
Our expedition began, with Malcolm setting a brisk pace in the Audi Quattro, its distinctive silhouette swiftly disappearing around the initial bends. Matthew, ever the professional, maintained a keen pursuit in his allocated machine, setting the tone for an engaging day. Even navigating the outskirts of Cockermouth, Malcolm’s connection to the local community was evident. With windows down, he exchanged greetings with familiar faces, a wave and a smile acknowledging his enduring popularity, a testament to his local roots despite his global motorsport stature. It’s a refreshing reminder that even the most celebrated figures maintain strong ties to their origins.
The true journey commenced as we ventured south of Cockermouth, a route that meandered alongside the imposing presence of Grasmoor and the serene waters of Crummock Water. The road began its intricate dance, a series of captivating twists and turns. Here, amidst the dramatic scenery, the challenges of driving a powerful machine in a picturesque, yet potentially perilous, environment became apparent. In the Aston Martin DBX S, with its immense power and considerable dimensions, a heightened sense of awareness was necessary, particularly when encountering oncoming traffic on these narrower sections. My focus was on smooth, deliberate application of power, respecting the environment and the car’s capabilities. Meanwhile, the Wilson’s, at the forefront, appeared to be reveling in the uninhibited joy of spirited driving. The visceral roar of the DBX S’s V8, however, provided a satisfying auditory accompaniment to my own experience.
Our trajectory led us towards the Honister Pass, a road that, even under a damp November sky, presented a spectacle of raw, untamed beauty. Water streamed down the steepest gradients, carving ephemeral rivulets that mirrored the dramatic, almost fantastical, landscape. The valley floor was strewn with boulders, as if dislodged by colossal forces, and crowning this natural amphitheater was the entrance to an abandoned slate mine, now a welcoming café.
“If it were tourist season, we wouldn’t be here,” Matthew explained as we paused for much-needed refreshments. The Honister Pass, he elaborated, transforms into a bustling thoroughfare for cyclists and mountain bikers, its narrow, serpentine nature making it particularly challenging during peak times. Yet, for those who time their visit judiciously, the reward is an unforgettable driving experience. Malcolm recounted a childhood memory of accompanying his father to collect slate from this very location, a poignant anecdote highlighting the enduring significance of this place.
A brief interlude allowed for a driver swap. Reluctantly relinquishing the Quattro, Malcolm shared his deep-seated affection for the model. “I owned two Quattro road cars when I was driving for Audi Sport in the 80s,” he reminisced. “But they weren’t 20-valves like this. The turbo lag was considerable; power delivery was an ‘on or off’ affair. This version is demonstrably superior.” His sentiment underscored the evolution of automotive technology and the meticulous refinement that transforms an icon into an even more compelling proposition.
With Malcolm now at the helm of the DBX S, Matthew took command of the Audi Quattro, and I settled into the dynamic embrace of the Toyota GR Yaris. We descended the eastern flank of Honister towards Seatoller, where the road gradually broadened, its gradients and radii becoming more forgiving, allowing for a more fluid progression. Our route continued through Borrowdale, following the course of the River Derwent. The panoramic vistas remained consistently breathtaking, with the majestic peak of Scafell Pike offering a constant, awe-inspiring presence.
The scenery, however, soon transformed. After navigating the charming town center of Keswick, we journeyed north past Bassenthwaite Lake and Dodd Wood, then veered north-east towards Uldale and Caldbeck. The landscape transitioned into expansive moorland, a stark contrast to the rugged mountain passes. Here, the roads became straighter, offering excellent visibility and significantly reduced traffic. This, I surmised, was one of Malcolm’s favored testing grounds, evident in the increasing pace and the almost instinctive familiarity with which he navigated the terrain. It was as if he had an uncanny ability to predict and avoid any potential impediments, ensuring an uninterrupted flow. The presence of fast, cambered corners and undulating gradients provided ample challenge, ensuring the drive remained exhilarating. Malcolm later confirmed that this route serves as his preferred approach to the M6, bypassing the often-congested A66.
After a few spirited miles, we convened at a spacious gravel car park to facilitate another vehicle exchange. Shortly thereafter, a final swap allowed for the sharing of our initial impressions. Malcolm expressed profound admiration for the Aston Martin DBX S, particularly its ability to blend immense power and size with remarkable agility and ease of handling. He also acknowledged the sheer enjoyment derived from the Toyota GR Yaris, commending its inherent fun factor. However, he voiced a slight reservation regarding the deluge of information and electronic alerts that the Yaris presents to its driver, questioning the necessity of such constant data streams.
Yet, the undeniable consensus, shared enthusiastically by both Malcolm and Matthew, gravitated towards the Audi Quattro. They were captivated by its surprising suitability for contemporary road driving, a testament to its enduring engineering. The way it masterfully balances grip, steering response, ride quality, and handling characteristics, even at speed, was a revelation. Furthermore, its palpable sense of driver engagement, a quality that can sometimes be diluted in modern, heavily insulated vehicles, was exceptionally vivid.
Our sojourn concluded with a short drive back to M-Sport headquarters, a swift return for Malcolm and Matthew, their afternoons now filled with a blend of professional obligations and the unexpected delight of acting as impromptu tour guides. It was clear, however, that neither of them begrudged this deviation from their packed schedules. The shared passion for the open road and exceptional automobiles had provided a memorable interlude, a testament to the enduring power of the driving experience.
Embarking on such an exploration requires more than just powerful machinery; it demands an appreciation for the environment and a willingness to engage with the nuances of each unique location. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or simply seeking to discover the most rewarding drives your region has to offer, understanding these elements is key.
If these insights into the Lake District’s driving treasures have ignited your curiosity, and you’re eager to discover your own perfect driving roads, consider delving deeper into curated driving routes or consulting with local automotive experts. Your next unforgettable journey awaits.
