The Majestic Lakes of Cumbria: A Driving Odyssey with Rally Royalty
The United Kingdom, particularly the stunning expanse of the Lake District, offers a driving experience that is both exhilarating and soul-stirring. Amidst the verdant fells and shimmering waters, the allure of an exceptional road journey is amplified when experienced through the lens of performance automobiles and the guidance of those who know these routes intimately. As an industry expert with a decade of experience navigating the intricate world of automotive performance and enthusiast culture, I can attest that the confluence of cutting-edge machinery and unparalleled local knowledge transforms a simple drive into an unforgettable expedition. This exploration delves into the heart of Cumbria’s most cherished driving roads, guided by none other than rally legend Malcolm Wilson OBE, alongside his son, accomplished rally driver Matthew Wilson, and featuring a trio of performance vehicles that represent distinct eras of automotive prowess: the formidable Aston Martin DBX S, the agile Toyota GR Yaris, and the iconic Audi Quattro 20v.
The Allure of the Lake District: More Than Just Scenery
The Lake District, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, is intrinsically shaped by its climate, with rainfall playing a pivotal role in cultivating its unique, verdant beauty. While a bit of drizzle is part of its charm, our expedition is bolstered by a curated selection of fast, four-wheel-drive performance cars and drivers well-equipped to harness their capabilities. Our gathering point: the picturesque M-Sport showroom at Dovenby Hall, Cumbria. Here, a potent trio awaits: a brand-new Aston Martin DBX S boasting 717 horsepower, a sprightly Toyota GR Yaris with 276 horsepower, and a classic 1989 Audi Quattro 20v, still potent with its 217 horsepower.
This assembly of motoring marvels is precisely the kind of proposition that could entice a British rally champion, a seasoned rally test driver, a successful rally team manager, a prominent motorsport business magnate, and, as of recently, the FIA Deputy President for Sport, Malcolm Wilson OBE, out for a drive. While it may be a Tuesday, the spirit of a leisurely Sunday drive permeates the air.
Malcolm Wilson is a man of significant commitments, rarely drawn out by anything less than extraordinary. However, after engaging conversations during our recent Britain’s Best Driver’s Car shootout, held in this very region and at M-Sport’s headquarters, I had a strong intuition that the Aston Martin, a marque he has a known affinity for, might pique his interest. His personal ownership of a DBX 707, a vehicle he cherishes, further cemented this belief. The road-going iteration of the compact rally machine his team fiercely competes against in the World Rally Championship, the Toyota GR Yaris, could also capture his attention.
The inclusion of the Audi Quattro, a vehicle whose venerable status precedes it, was somewhat of an afterthought, even requiring a brief battery charge to awaken its slumbering spirit. Yet, with an almost instinctive magnetism, Malcolm gravitated towards the Quattro, barely glancing at the other two vehicles. His preference was immediately evident; he claimed the driver’s seat, showing no inclination to relinquish it.
Observing this, his son Matthew – himself a world-class rally driver with multiple top-five finishes in the WRC and the current team principal for the M-Sport Dakar team – and I exchanged a knowing glance and a shared laugh. We then readily divided the remaining vehicles between us. Our objective for the day: to uncover the most captivating driving routes in the Lake District as curated by two of its most passionate automotive enthusiasts, and to discover the pathways they would choose to navigate them.
Navigating the Unseen: Expert Routes and Performance Driving
While Autocar may not frequently venture into this specific corner of the UK, recent road tests have reignited our appreciation for its driving potential. This is an area where local acumen is paramount, especially when seeking to escape the congestion of tourists, cyclists, and general traffic, thereby unlocking the true driving pleasure of these performance driving roads.
As I settle into the Aston Martin DBX S, positioned at the rear of our three-car convoy, I have the optimal vantage point to observe the unfolding scene. The Audi Quattro, having benefited from a period of idling to replenish its battery, is ready for action. Malcolm wastes no time, and by the time I navigate M-Sport’s driveway, the distinctive rear of the Quattro has already faded into the distance.
The Quattro, with its characteristic auditory charm and engaging ride, swiftly commands the road. Matthew, with practiced ease, maintains a spirited pace in pursuit, setting the tone for our journey. Our initial foray takes us through the charming town of Cockermouth. It’s no accident that Malcolm navigates through its heart; he lowers the Quattro’s electric windows, offering warm greetings to locals who respond with evident familiarity and delight, both at seeing him and at the sight of the iconic Audi. His status as a beloved local figure remains undiminished, irrespective of any past local objections to the development of M-Sport’s motorsport circuit.
Our true route begins south of town, traversing the hamlet of Brackenthwaite and continuing alongside the imposing flank of Grasmoor and the tranquil shores of Crummock Water. The road progressively narrows and begins to serpentine, offering an engaging dance between car and tarmac. Following a brief pause for dynamic photography, we press onward towards the village of Buttermere, passing by the lake and through Gatesgarth.
The late November air is crisp, and as we glide through the lakeside woodlands, fallen leaves in vibrant hues of yellow and green create picturesque mounds lining the road. In the substantial Aston Martin DBX S, I find myself instinctively holding my breath when encountering oncoming traffic, carefully deploying the vehicle’s considerable power. The Wilsons, father and son, leading the charge in their respective machines, appear to be relishing the experience, their enjoyment palpable. At least I am privy to the deep, resonant V8 soundtrack.
The Thrill of Honister Pass and Beyond
Our destination is the legendary Honister Pass, a sight that commands awe even on a rain-soaked morning. Water cascades down the steepest sections of the road, transforming the landscape into something out of a fantasy novel. Gigantic fallen rocks are scattered across the valley, as if dropped from the sky. At the summit, the entrance to an old slate mine, now the Sky Hi Cafe, is marked by rugged stone plinths, a testament to the area’s rich industrial heritage.
“If this were tourist season, we wouldn’t be here,” Matthew explains as he procures coffees. The pass becomes exceptionally busy with cyclists and mountain bikers; Matthew himself is often among them. The road is narrow and winding, but a visit is undeniably worthwhile, provided one times it judiciously.
During our brief respite, Malcolm recounts a childhood memory: collecting slate for the fireplace at his family home in Workington at the tender age of seven. “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 recalls, painting a vivid picture of early adventure and risk.
With a slight reluctance, we persuade Malcolm to relinquish the driver’s seat of the Quattro. “I had two Quattro road cars when I was driving for Audi Sport in the 80s,” he reminisces, “but they weren’t 20-valve models like this. They had considerably more turbo lag: the power delivery was very much on or off, and you really had to wait for it. This one is so much better.” This sentiment underscores the evolution of performance engineering and highlights the enduring appeal of classic performance cars.
A Shifting Landscape, A Shared Passion
As we descend the eastern side of Honister towards Seatoller, the road widens, and its gradients and radii become more forgiving, allowing for swifter progress. We continue through Borrowdale, heading north along the River Derwent. The panoramic views from the windscreen remain breathtaking, with the majestic Scafell Pike visible to the driver’s side.
The scenery soon transforms. The charming town center of Keswick is swiftly passed, followed by a journey north past Bassenthwaite and Dodd Wood. At the northernmost point of the lake, we turn north-east, heading towards Uldale and Caldbeck.
The landscape shifts from mountainous terrain to expansive moorland. The tourist crowds have vanished; the road stretches out in straighter sections, offering excellent visibility over crests. It is evident that this is one of Malcolm’s preferred testing grounds, judging by the surge in his pace and the evident familiarity with the road. It’s as if he has orchestrated the absence of slower-moving vehicles, allowing for an uninhibited driving experience. The route features fast, cambered corners and ample gradients to maintain an exhilarating drive. Malcolm later admits that this is his preferred route to access the M6 to the east, bypassing the congested A66 – a perfect example of Lake District driving routes optimized for performance.
After a few exhilarating miles, we pull into a spacious gravel car park by the roadside to swap vehicles once more. A few minutes later, another swap allows us to share our impressions. Malcolm expresses profound admiration for the Aston Martin DBX S, particularly its ability to manage such immense size, weight, and speed with such benign and accessible handling. He also appreciates the Toyota GR Yaris, acknowledging its inherent fun-to-drive character. However, he finds the deluge of information and electronic alerts overwhelming. “Who needs to know all that?” he questions, a sentiment many drivers might echo in the face of modern car technology.
The Enduring Magic of the Audi Quattro
Both Wilsons, however, are even more enthusiastic when discussing the Audi Quattro. They are astounded by how perfectly its performance level feels for the road, even decades after its creation. They marvel at its sweet grip, steering, ride, and handling when a modest amount of speed is applied. Its sense of aliveness, especially when compared to contemporary vehicles, is a point of particular fascination. The experience of driving this classic highlights the timeless appeal of performance car driving.
From this point, it’s a short journey back to M-Sport for both Malcolm and Matthew, their afternoons enriched by several hours spent as impromptu, unpaid guides on a Cumbria road trip. I sense that neither of them begrudged the interruption to their busy schedules. Their shared passion for exceptional driving roads and outstanding automobiles, coupled with their deep connection to the Lake District, makes them the ultimate custodians of this motoring narrative.
This journey through the Lake District with Malcolm Wilson and his son is more than just a drive; it’s a testament to the enduring allure of performance car hire, the thrill of exploring best driving roads UK, and the profound connection between man, machine, and magnificent landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or an aspiring driver, experiencing these routes in a capable vehicle offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the raw beauty and exhilaration of the open road.
If the prospect of discovering these breathtaking drives and experiencing the pinnacle of automotive performance excites you, consider exploring options for performance car rental or planning your own driving holidays UK. The roads of the Lake District await, promising an adventure that will stay with you long after the engine has cooled.
