The original 1978 report that led to the area being designated as a national scenic area noted:
The upper course of the River Tweed is contained in a narrow steepsided valley flanked by rounded hills of considerable stature.
The general sense of containment created by the narrow valley is given interest and variety by the inter-relationship of woodlands, sometimes shelterbelt, hedgerow or plantation, and both deciduous and coniferous, with farmland which ranges from roughgrazing on the hill, through parkland, pasture and arable to riverside meadows.
The valley floor widens at each of the confluences of the Holm, Lyne and Manor Waters to give longer views into these tributary glens and the higher summits at their heads, and then narrows again at Neidpath where the castle guards the defile between Caedmuir and the Meldons.
The river itself contributes greatly to the scene, winding through its haughlands with a majesty that assumes a greater magnitude than it really possesses.
The dale is ornamented with castles, mansions, kirks and prosperous farmhouses, and the hill marked with the innumerable remains of ancient occupation.

— Scottish Natural Heritage (1978)
Historic features of the area include the hill fort at Dreva Craig, Barns Tower, and the castles at Stobo, Neidpath and Tinnis.
The John Buchan Way, a 22 km walking route between Broughton and Peebles, passes through the area.
The original 1978 report that led to the area being designated as a national scenic area noted:
The upper course of the River Tweed is contained in a narrow steepsided valley flanked by rounded hills of considerable stature. The general sense of containment created by the narrow valley is given interest and variety by the inter-relationship of woodlands, sometimes shelterbelt, hedgerow or plantation, and both deciduous and coniferous, with farmland which ranges from roughgrazing on the hill, through parkland, pasture and arable to riverside meadows. The valley floor widens at each of the confluences of the Holm, Lyne and Manor Waters to give longer views into these tributary glens and the higher summits at their heads, and then narrows again at Neidpath where the castle guards the defile between Caedmuir and the Meldons. The river itself contributes greatly to the scene, winding through its haughlands with a majesty that assumes a greater magnitude than it really possesses. The dale is ornamented with castles, mansions, kirks and prosperous farmhouses, and the hill marked with the innumerable remains of ancient occupation.
— Scottish Natural Heritage (1978)
Historic features of the area include the hill fort at Dreva Craig, Barns Tower, and the castles at Stobo, Neidpath and Tinnis. The John Buchan Way, a 22 km walking route between Broughton and Peebles, passes through the area.
Upper Tweeddale National Scenic Area