Conquering Cumbria’s Crown Jewels: A Legendary Rally Champion’s Guide to the UK’s Most Thrilling Drives
As an automotive industry veteran with a decade of hands-on experience, I’ve traversed countless miles on some of the world’s most celebrated asphalt arteries. Yet, the allure of the United Kingdom’s Lake District, particularly when navigated by a true titan of the rally world, offers an experience that transcends the ordinary. This region, often shrouded in its characteristic meteorological drama, transforms into an unparalleled playground for performance vehicles and discerning drivers alike. Today, we delve into an expedition that not only showcases the Lake District’s most exhilarating driving roads but also offers a masterclass in automotive appreciation, guided by the unparalleled expertise of a rally legend.
The core of this exploration revolves around experiencing the nuanced capabilities of three distinct, four-wheel-drive performance machines: the prodigious 717bhp Aston Martin DBX S, the agile and rally-bred 276bhp Toyota GR Yaris, and the iconic, albeit characterful, 217bhp 1989 Audi Quattro 20v. These are not mere modes of transport; they are meticulously engineered instruments designed to engage the driver and celebrate the very essence of spirited driving. Their presence on the dramatic canvas of the Lake District, a region renowned for its breathtaking vistas and demanding topography, creates a compelling narrative that speaks volumes about the relationship between man, machine, and magnificent landscapes.
Our journey begins at Dovenby Hall, the esteemed headquarters of M-Sport, a name synonymous with rallying excellence. Here, amidst a curated collection of automotive artistry, we encounter the machines that will be our companions. The air is charged with anticipation, not just for the drive ahead, but for the presence of a figure whose career has shaped the very fabric of motorsport. Malcolm Wilson OBE, a name that resonates deeply within the global rally community, a seasoned competitor, an astute team principal, and now a significant figure within the FIA, graces us with his presence. His willingness to embark on this curated tour, an endeavor born from a previous discussion at the Britain’s Best Driver’s Car shootout, underscores the unique appeal of this specific automotive ensemble and the captivating environment of the Lake District.
While the Aston Martin DBX S, a marque Wilson has personal experience with, and the Toyota GR Yaris, a direct competitor to M-Sport’s WRC efforts, undoubtedly hold their own intrigue, it’s the classic Audi Quattro that captures Malcolm Wilson’s immediate attention. The 1989 Audi Quattro 20v, a machine that practically defined all-wheel-drive performance for a generation, elicits an almost reverent response. Its history, its legacy, and its raw mechanical character evidently speak to Wilson’s deep-seated automotive passions. He gravitates towards it, his preference unspoken but clearly understood. His son, Matthew Wilson, himself a distinguished rally driver with numerous top WRC finishes and the current M-Sport Dakar team principal, and I find ourselves sharing the remaining steeds. This dynamic, a father-son duo deeply embedded in the world of high-performance driving, guiding us through their cherished terrain, adds an invaluable layer of authenticity and insight to our expedition.
Our objective is straightforward yet profound: to discover the preferred routes and driving roads of these two Lake District petrolheads, individuals whose lives have been intrinsically linked with pushing the boundaries of automotive performance. For Autocar, a publication that doesn’t frequently venture into this remote corner of the UK, this is an opportunity to unearth local knowledge, to bypass the well-trodden tourist paths, and to experience the Lake District through the lens of those who truly understand its dynamic potential. This quest for the ultimate driving roads in the Lake District is a testament to the enduring appeal of scenic drives and the thrill of exploring challenging terrains.
As we set off, the Aston Martin DBX S, positioned at the rear of our three-car convoy, provides an ideal vantage point. Malcolm Wilson, in the venerable Audi Quattro, doesn’t waste any time. Despite the chill of a November morning and the need for a jump-start earlier, he sets a brisk pace, his intimate understanding of the Quattro’s quirks evident. The classic Audi, with its distinctive warble and inherent agility, quickly recedes into the distance. Matthew Wilson, comfortable in the Toyota GR Yaris, maintains an enthusiastic pursuit, setting a tone of spirited exploration that permeates the entire excursion.
Our initial foray leads us through the charming environs of Cockermouth. Malcolm, with a palpable connection to the local community, winds down the Quattro’s electric windows, greeting familiar faces with genuine warmth. The sight of the legendary driver in his iconic machine brings smiles to the faces of the locals, a testament to his enduring status as a beloved figure in the region. This interaction highlights the unique bond between the community and its motorsport heroes, a sentiment that resonates far beyond the racing circuits.
The true heart of our journey begins as we venture south of Cockermouth, navigating through the hamlet of Brackenthwaite and skirting the majestic flank of Grasmoor, with Crummock Water providing a stunning waterside backdrop. The road unfurls in a delightful sequence of twists and turns, encouraging a more engaged driving style. During a brief pause for photographic opportunities, the fallen leaves, a vibrant mosaic of yellows and greens, blanket the roadside verges. Within the opulent confines of the Aston Martin DBX S, I find myself consciously modulating my inputs, acutely aware of the car’s considerable power and the proximity of oncoming traffic. While the V8 soundtrack offers a rich auditory experience, the sheer exhilaration of the Wilsons, leading the charge in their respective machines, is undeniably palpable.
Our trajectory then points towards the Honister Pass, a natural amphitheater of dramatic beauty, even under the brooding skies of a sodden morning. Rainwater cascades down the steepest inclines, rendering the landscape with a raw, almost mythical quality, reminiscent of a Tolkien-esque realm. Enormous boulders, scattered across the valley floor as if deposited by giants, add to the dramatic tableau. At the summit, the entrance to an abandoned slate mine, now repurposed as the Sky Hi Cafe, stands as a stoic marker. Matthew explains that the pass’s true magic is best appreciated outside the peak tourist season, when the narrow, serpentine road, frequented by cyclists and mountain bikers, becomes a more accessible challenge. He recounts a childhood anecdote from Malcolm, about collecting slate for their family home, a story that underscores the historical significance of this region and its connection to generations of local families.
A brief interlude sees Malcolm reluctantly relinquish the driver’s seat of the Audi Quattro. His reminiscences of owning Audi Quattro road cars in the 1980s, while driving for Audi Sport, provide a fascinating historical context. He contrasts those earlier models with the 20-valve variant we are experiencing, noting the significant reduction in turbo lag and the more refined power delivery. This firsthand comparison offers invaluable insight into the evolution of performance automotive engineering and the enduring appeal of classic rally cars.
The baton then passes. Malcolm takes the helm of the Aston Martin DBX S, Matthew pilots the Audi Quattro, and I find myself behind the wheel of the Toyota GR Yaris. We descend the eastern flank of Honister Pass towards Seatoller, where the road widens and the gradients become more forgiving, allowing for a more fluid pace. The route then continues through Borrowdale, following the winding course of the River Derwent. The panoramic vistas, with the imposing silhouette of Scafell Pike piercing the horizon, remain consistently awe-inspiring.
The landscape transforms as we proceed north, passing through the quaint market town of Keswick and continuing past Bassenthwaite Lake and Dodd Wood. A turn towards Uldale and Caldbeck ushers us into a more open, moorland environment. The tourist throngs dissipate, replaced by stretches of straighter roads, offering clear sightlines over undulating crests. This terrain, it becomes evident, is a familiar testing ground for Malcolm Wilson, his pace quickening with an almost instinctive familiarity. The absence of slow-moving vehicles and the presence of fast, cambered corners and engaging gradients make this an ideal stretch for spirited driving. He later reveals that this route serves as his preferred pathway to the M6 motorway to the east, effectively bypassing the congested A66, a clear demonstration of his deep understanding of the local road network.
After a series of exhilarating miles, we pull into a substantial gravel car park, facilitating another vehicle swap. A few minutes later, another exchange allows for the sharing of impressions. Malcolm expresses profound admiration for the Aston Martin DBX S, particularly its ability to mask its considerable size and weight, delivering a remarkably benign and manageable driving experience. He also commends the Toyota GR Yaris for its sheer driving fun, though he questions the need for the abundance of digital information it bombards its occupants with.
However, the undisputed star of the post-drive discussions is the Audi Quattro. Both Wilsons are effusive in their praise for its contemporary relevance, marveling at how its performance envelope remains so perfectly calibrated for road use, even decades after its inception. They highlight its progressive grip, its intuitive steering, and its supple ride and handling characteristics, all of which come alive with judicious application of speed. Its raw, communicative character, a stark contrast to the sophisticated insulation of modern vehicles, is particularly lauded. This enduring appeal of classic performance cars, especially iconic models like the Audi Quattro, continues to captivate enthusiasts and experts alike.
Our expedition concludes with a short run back to M-Sport, both Malcolm and Matthew having fulfilled their roles as impromptu petrolhead tour guides with evident pleasure. The day has been a remarkable blend of automotive prowess, legendary expertise, and the raw, untamed beauty of the Lake District. The experience reinforces the notion that the pursuit of exceptional driving roads, particularly those revealed by seasoned professionals, offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the machine and the environment.
For those seeking to explore the pinnacle of performance driving within the UK’s most scenic locales, consider embarking on a similar curated experience. Whether you dream of navigating the winding passes of the Lake District in an Aston Martin, tackling rally-inspired stages in a Toyota GR Yaris, or appreciating the timeless charm of an Audi Quattro, understanding the nuances of these vehicles and their ideal environments is paramount. If you’re captivated by the thrill of performance driving and the allure of iconic vehicles, we invite you to discover how you can experience the ultimate driving adventure tailored to your passions.
