Experiencing the Lake District’s Premier Driving Routes with Rally Royalty
Unveiling the United Kingdom’s Most Celebrated Automotive Passages: An Aston Martin DBX S, Toyota GR Yaris, and Audi Quattro 20v Expedition
As an automotive industry veteran with a decade immersed in the evolving landscape of performance vehicles and the intricate art of driving dynamics, I often find myself drawn to the visceral connection between machine and asphalt. This past year, revisiting the iconic Lake District in Cumbria offered a profound opportunity to explore this synergy, particularly when guided by individuals who have shaped motorsport history. The Lake District, renowned for its breathtaking, albeit often rain-kissed, topography, presents a unique challenge and reward for any driving enthusiast. This expedition, however, transcended a typical road test; it was a masterclass in appreciating the United Kingdom’s most exceptional driving roads, courtesy of Malcolm Wilson OBE and his accomplished son, Matthew Wilson.
The very essence of the Lake District’s charm is intrinsically linked to its dynamic weather patterns, frequently manifesting as drenching rain. On this particular Tuesday, the heavens opened, but we arrived exceptionally well-prepared. Our arsenal comprised three formidable performance vehicles, each boasting a potent all-wheel-drive system: a brand-new, blisteringly powerful 717bhp Aston Martin DBX S; a sprightly, near-new 276bhp Toyota GR Yaris; and a veteran, yet undeniably capable, 217bhp 1989 Audi Quattro 20v. Complementing these machines were three equally enthusiastic drivers, two of whom possessed driving pedigrees that resonate deeply within the motorsport fraternity.
Gathered outside the impressive M-Sport showroom collection at Dovenby Hall, the sight of these three distinct automotive icons was enough to entice a figure of Malcolm Wilson OBE’s stature. For those unfamiliar with his illustrious career, Wilson is not merely a former rally driver; he is a multi-faceted titan of British motorsport. His resume boasts roles as a rally test driver, team manager, team principal, a significant figure in the UK motorsport business arena, and, as of June last year, the FIA Deputy President for Sport. To engage such an individual for a casual drive requires a compelling proposition, and the allure of these particular vehicles, combined with the promise of exploring cherished driving routes, certainly fit the bill.
My prior interactions with Malcolm Wilson, including discussions during a recent Autocar Britain’s Best Driver’s Car shootout held in this very region, had provided insight into his automotive passions. The formidable Aston Martin DBX S, a successor to a model he personally owned and admired, was a clear draw. Furthermore, the road-going iteration of the nimble Toyota GR Yaris, a car M-Sport has contended with in the World Rally Championship, held undeniable appeal. The Audi Quattro, a nod to motorsport heritage, was initially a secondary consideration for the photoshoot. In fact, its vintage nature required a brief jump-start that morning, a gentle reminder of its classic origins. Yet, to our surprise, Malcolm gravitated towards the Quattro almost immediately, eschewing an initial inspection of the other two vehicles. His decisive claim on the driver’s seat was met with knowing smiles and a shared laugh between his son, Matthew, and myself.
Matthew Wilson, himself a world-class rally driver with multiple top-five finishes in the WRC and the current team boss for the M-Sport Dakar team, and I accepted the remaining vehicles, setting the stage for a day dedicated to uncovering the Lake District’s most rewarding driving roads, as curated by local petrolheads. Autocar’s presence in this region, while not frequent, had been reignited by recent road testing, underscoring the critical role of local expertise in navigating these often-congested routes. Avoiding the throngs of tourists, walkers, cyclists, and general traffic is paramount to truly appreciating the driving experience.
My initial perch was within the Aston Martin DBX S, bringing up the rear of our convoy. This vantage point offered an excellent perspective on the unfolding dynamic. The Audi Quattro, having had ample time to charge its battery, was already demonstrating Malcolm’s characteristic brisk departure. By the time I navigated the exit of Dovenby Hall, the distinctive rear of the Quattro had already receded into the distance. Matthew, with a practiced hand, maintained a brisk and engaging pace in pursuit, setting the tone for the day.
Our initial foray led us through the charming streets of Cockermouth. This was no accidental detour. Malcolm, with windows lowered, enthusiastically greeted locals, his presence met with reciprocal smiles and admiration for the classic Audi. His status as a beloved local figure, despite any potential friction with nearby residents regarding M-Sport’s circuit development, was palpable. The Audi Quattro’s distinctive soundtrack and visual presence clearly captivated onlookers.
The true essence of our driving exploration commenced south of Cockermouth. We traversed the hamlet of Brackenthwaite, proceeding alongside the imposing flank of Grasmoor and the tranquil shores of Crummock Water. Here, the road began to twist and turn, offering tantalizing glimpses of the challenging terrain ahead. After a brief pause for dynamic photography, we pressed onward towards Buttermere village, navigating past the lake and through Gatesgarth.
It was mid-November, and the lakeside woodlands were adorned with a vibrant tapestry of fallen leaves, creating picturesque drifts along the roadside. Within the opulent confines of the Aston Martin DBX S, a degree of caution was instinctively adopted, especially when encountering oncoming traffic. The car’s immense power was deployed with deliberate care. Observing Malcolm and Matthew ahead, expertly maneuvering the Quattro and the GR Yaris, it was evident they were relishing the experience to its fullest. The only consolation for me was the potent, bass-heavy V8 soundtrack emanating from the Aston.
Our ascent towards Honister Pass was a spectacle, even on a rain-swept morning. Water cascaded down the steepest gradients, transforming the landscape into a scene reminiscent of a Tolkien novel. Enormous boulders, seemingly dislodged from the heavens, littered the valley floor. At the summit, the entrance to an old slate mine, now a quaint café, stood marked by weathered stone plinths.
“If this were tourist season, we wouldn’t be here,” Matthew explained as he procured coffees. Honister Pass, he elaborated, experiences significant congestion from cyclists and mountain bikers, particularly during peak times. The road itself is narrow and serpentine, demanding precise control. Despite the potential for crowds, it remains an essential destination for any discerning driver, provided one schedules their visit judiciously. It was during this respite that Malcolm recounted a childhood memory: collecting slate for his family home. “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 recalled with a wry smile.
With a touch of reluctance, Malcolm relinquished 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-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.” His appreciation for the evolutionary improvements in performance and drivability of the modern Quattro compared to its predecessors was evident.
The baton then passed. Malcolm took the helm of the Aston Martin DBX S for the descent from Honister’s eastern side towards Seatoller. Here, the road broadened, and the gradients and corner radii became more forgiving, allowing for a more spirited pace. We continued through Borrowdale, following the course of the River Derwent northward, with the majestic silhouette of Scafell Pike visible through the windscreen.
The scenery soon transformed as we bypassed the bustling town centre of Keswick and proceeded north past Bassenthwaite Lake and Dodd Wood. A turn towards the northeast at the lake’s northern tip guided us towards Uldale and Caldbeck. The terrain shifted to open moorland, a stark contrast to the dramatic mountain passes. The tourist traffic dissipated, replaced by long, sweeping straights and well-sighted crests, creating an ideal environment for rapid progress. It became clear that this was one of Malcolm’s favored test routes, his pace quickening with palpable familiarity. It was as if he had orchestrated the absence of slow-moving farm vehicles and MPVs, revealing a stretch of road featuring fast, cambered corners and engaging gradients. He later confirmed this route as his preferred method for reaching the M6 to the east, adeptly circumventing the congested A66.
After a few exhilarating miles, we pulled into a spacious gravel car park for our first car swap. A short while later, another swap allowed for a comprehensive exchange of impressions. Malcolm expressed profound admiration for the Aston Martin DBX S, particularly its ability to manage its considerable size, weight, and velocity with such composure and ease. He also lauded the Toyota GR Yaris, acknowledging its inherent fun factor and engaging driving experience. However, he voiced reservations about the car’s overwhelming influx of information and electronic stimuli, questioning the necessity of such constant data bombardment for the driver.
Both Wilsons, however, found themselves most captivated by the Audi Quattro. They were astonished by how remarkably well its performance envelope translated to real-world road driving, even decades after its inception. Its ability to progressively engage, steer, ride, and handle with such confidence when subjected to appropriate speeds was remarkable. They emphasized its palpable sense of driver engagement, a characteristic that often feels diluted in more modern, electronically sophisticated vehicles. The raw, connected feel of the Quattro offered a nostalgic yet incredibly satisfying driving experience.
Our journey concluded with a brief drive back to M-Sport for Malcolm and Matthew, their afternoons now enriched by their impromptu roles as unpaid automotive guides. It was evident that neither father nor son begrudged the diversion; in fact, the shared passion for exceptional driving roads and compelling machinery was a bond that transcended professional obligations. The experience underscored the enduring appeal of well-engineered performance cars and the timeless allure of driving’s most spectacular stages.
For those seeking to discover the unparalleled driving experiences the Lake District has to offer, guided by local legends and equipped with the finest automotive tools, the journey begins with understanding the nuances of these world-class roads. If you’re ready to explore these captivating routes and elevate your own driving adventures, consider delving deeper into the specialized experiences and guided tours available, ensuring your next road trip is an unforgettable exploration of automotive excellence and natural beauty.
