Conquering the Cumbrian Canvas: A Rally Legend’s Guide to the UK’s Ultimate Driving Roads
For a decade, I’ve traversed highways and byways, from bustling urban arteries to the most remote, winding ribbons of tarmac. My career in automotive journalism, spanning high-octane track tests to intimate road trip narratives, has been fueled by a relentless pursuit of that elusive synergy between driver, machine, and the open road. And in that time, few landscapes have captured my imagination quite like the undulating, rain-kissed beauty of the Lake District. This region, a perennial favorite for driving enthusiasts seeking challenging terrain and breathtaking vistas, offers a unique proposition for those who appreciate the art of the drive. Today, we’re not just exploring these iconic routes; we’re doing so through the eyes of a true titan of motorsport, Malcolm Wilson OBE, a man whose legendary career in rallying has been forged on some of the world’s toughest stages.
The weather, as is often the case in Cumbria, has provided a typically dramatic backdrop – a persistent drizzle that only serves to enhance the moody splendor of the fells. But we’re not here unprepared. Gathered outside the impressive M-Sport collection at Dovenby Hall are three distinct yet equally compelling performance machines, each offering a different flavor of all-wheel-drive prowess: a formidable 717bhp Aston Martin DBX S, a nimble 276bhp Toyota GR Yaris, and the undeniably historic 217bhp 1989 Audi Quattro 20v. This potent trio, coupled with three enthusiastic drivers, presents a tantalizing prospect for a man who embodies the spirit of British rallying – a former champion, a seasoned test driver, a championship-winning team principal, and now a respected FIA deputy president for sport. While the original article hinted at a casual Sunday drive, the reality is a meticulously planned exploration of the Lake District’s finest driving roads, curated by an expert with unparalleled local knowledge.
Malcolm Wilson OBE is a man whose schedule is as demanding as any rally stage. However, a recent encounter at our “Britain’s Best Driver’s Car” shootout, held here in the Lake District and at M-Sport’s very own headquarters, planted a seed of curiosity. His known affection for the Aston Martin DBX 707 suggested the S variant might pique his interest. Furthermore, the road-going iteration of the very car his M-Sport team competes against in the World Rally Championship – the spirited Toyota GR Yaris – was bound to capture his attention. The Audi Quattro, a magnificent but admittedly more vintage proposition, initially seemed an afterthought. In fact, it required a brief jump-start this very morning, a stark reminder of its analogue origins. Yet, with an almost instinctive pull, Malcolm made a direct beeline for the classic Quattro, bypassing the more contemporary machinery without a second glance, and making it abundantly clear that this was the machine he intended to pilot.
A wry smile and an exchanged glance between Malcolm’s son, Matthew Wilson – himself a decorated rally driver with multiple top-five WRC finishes and the current team boss for M-Sport’s Dakar efforts – and myself signaled the plan was set. We, the “apprentices,” would divide the remaining automotive duties. The objective for the day: to unveil the Lake District’s most exhilarating driving roads as identified by two of its most passionate petrolheads. While Autocar’s visits to this region are less frequent than our continental excursions, recent road tests have reignited our appreciation for its unique character. It’s precisely the kind of territory where intimate, local knowledge transforms an enjoyable drive into an unforgettable experience, particularly when navigating the delicate balance of avoiding crowds, cyclists, and the general ebb and flow of tourist traffic.
Settling into the opulent embrace of the Aston Martin DBX S, positioned at the rear of our three-car procession, offers an unparalleled vantage point. It’s a wise choice, allowing for observation of the unfolding dynamic. The Audi, having benefited from a period of gentle idling to replenish its battery, is ready for action. By the time we’ve navigated the sweeping exit of Dovenby Hall’s driveway, the distinctive rear silhouette of the Quattro has already established a commanding lead. Malcolm, with the characteristic urgency of a rally driver, doesn’t believe in leisurely warm-ups. The Audi, with its characteristic warble and subtle bob, has practically vanished from view. Matthew, ever the adaptable co-pilot, maintains an enthusiastic pace in pursuit, setting the tone for the expedition.
Within minutes, our convoy ambles through the historic streets of Cockermouth. This is no random detour. Malcolm, with windows rolled down, engages with familiar faces, exchanging waves and greetings with locals who reciprocate with genuine warmth, their smiles widening at the sight of the iconic Quattro. Despite any potential friction with M-Sport’s local detractors regarding circuit development, Malcolm remains a beloved figure in the community – a true local rock star.
The true exploration begins as we venture south of town, traversing the charming hamlet of Brackenthwaite. The landscape soon opens up, revealing the imposing flank of Grasmoor and the tranquil expanse of Crummock Water. Here, the road begins its intricate dance, twisting and turning with the contours of the land. A brief pause for some dynamic photography allows us to capture the essence of the journey before pressing onward towards Buttermere village, a scenic passage alongside the lake and through Gatesgarth. It’s mid-November, and the autumnal hues persist, with fallen leaves forming vibrant yellow and green carpets along the roadside, even amidst the damp air. Navigating the narrow lanes in the Aston Martin DBX S, with its substantial girth, requires a degree of caution, especially when encountering oncoming traffic. The car’s immense power is deployed with precision, a testament to its engineering. Yet, as I observe Wilson Sr and Jr confidently leading the charge in their respective machines, it’s clear they are relishing every moment. At least, I have the immersive, V8 soundtrack to accompany my thoughtful progress.
Our trajectory leads us towards the Honister Pass, a dramatic ascent even on this rain-swept morning. Water streams down the steepest sections of the road, transforming the landscape into something akin to a scene from a Tolkien epic. Immense boulders, seemingly tumbled from the heavens, litter the valley floor, while at the summit, the entrance to an abandoned slate mine, now home to the Sky Hi Café, stands as a testament to the region’s industrial past, marked by weathered stone plinths. “If it were tourist season, we wouldn’t be here,” Matthew explains, procuring coffees. During peak times, this narrow, serpentine pass becomes a hub for cyclists and mountain bikers – activities Matthew himself often partakes in. Despite the potential for congestion, the Honister Pass is an absolute must-visit, provided one times their arrival judiciously. While we pause, Malcolm shares a poignant childhood memory of accompanying his father to collect slate for their fireplace in Workington. “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 recounts with a chuckle, a vivid illustration of the challenges faced in these remote terrains.
With a touch of reluctance, we manage to 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-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 technological advancements, even within such an iconic platform, is palpable.
For the next leg of our journey, the roles shift. Malcolm takes the helm of the Aston Martin DBX S, Matthew pilots the Audi Quattro, and I assume command of the Toyota GR Yaris. We descend the eastern flank of Honister towards Seatoller, where the road gradually widens, its gradients and radii becoming more forgiving, allowing for a more assertive pace. We then proceed through the picturesque Borrowdale valley, following the course of the River Derwent northward. The panoramic vistas through the windscreen remain consistently breathtaking, with the imposing silhouette of Scafell Pike occasionally visible through the driver’s side window.
Soon, the character of the landscape transforms. The charming market town of Keswick passes by, followed by a drive north past Bassenthwaite Lake and Dodd Wood. At the northern tip of the lake, we turn north-east, charting a course towards Uldale and Caldbeck. The terrain now morphs into expansive moorland, a stark contrast to the dramatic mountain passes. The tourist throngs have dissipated; the road lengthens, offering clear sightlines over sweeping crests, and the absence of other vehicles is striking. This is undeniably one of Malcolm’s favored testing grounds, evident in the palpable quickening of his pace, a testament to his profound familiarity with every nuance of the route. It’s as if he has orchestrated the absence of slow-moving farm vehicles and utilitarian MPVs that might otherwise obstruct the path. The road presents a delightful combination of fast, cambered corners and invigorating gradients, ensuring an engaging driving experience. Malcolm later admits that this very route serves as his preferred artery to access the M6 motorway to the east, deftly circumventing the congested A66.
After a few exhilarating miles, we pull into a spacious gravel car park by the roadside for our first car swap. A short while later, another swap allows us to consolidate our impressions. Malcolm is effusive in his praise for the Aston Martin, particularly its ability to disguise its considerable size, weight, and speed with such effortless composure and agility. He also expresses genuine delight with the Toyota GR Yaris, acknowledging its inherent fun-to-drive nature. However, he voices a minor critique regarding the car’s overwhelming deluge of information and electronic “noise,” questioning its necessity for the driver. “Who needs to know all that?” he muses, a sentiment many enthusiasts can relate to when faced with overly complex infotainment systems.
Both Wilsons, however, gravitate with even greater enthusiasm towards the Audi Quattro. They are astounded by how “correct” its performance envelope feels, even by contemporary road standards, decades after its inception. They marvel at its sweet initiation of grip, its telepathic steering response, its remarkably compliant ride, and its intuitive handling when coaxed with just the right amount of velocity. The palpable sense of aliveness it offers, in stark contrast to the insulated nature of many modern vehicles, is a recurring theme in their discussion.
From this point, it’s a brief and direct run back to M-Sport for both Malcolm and Matthew. Their afternoon, though punctuated by this impromptu excursion as unpaid petrolhead tour guides, is clearly one they have relished. The distraction, far from being an inconvenience, has been a welcome opportunity to reconnect with the raw essence of driving on some of the UK’s most exceptional roads.
The allure of these Cumbrian byways, when piloted by legends and experienced in machines that celebrate the joy of driving, is undeniable. If you’ve ever dreamt of experiencing driving nirvana, of discovering routes that push the boundaries of what’s possible while surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty, then perhaps it’s time to chart your own course.
Are you ready to discover your own legendary driving routes? Explore our curated guides to scenic drives and high-performance driving experiences across the UK and beyond. Plan your ultimate road trip today and unlock the thrill of the open road.
