The central part of the Borders is dominated by the distinctively shaped triple summits of the Eildon Hills - remnants of a complex volcano, and the Rivers Teviot and Tweed. The landscape is very varied, with range after range of rolling hills north of the Eildons, and green pastures to their south sweeping away to Kelso and Jedburgh, with the Cheviot Hills on the border with England beyond. The area is deservedly popular with walkers and is crossed by no less than three of Scotland's great long distance routes.
The area is rich in history too and the towns full of character. Melrose and Jedburgh - dominated by their great ruined abbeys - and Kelso, with its fine cobbled market place, all well repay exploration, not least for their great country pubs. Selkirk had a long association with Sir Walter Scott, and his grand home at Abbotsford is merely one of a multitude of impressive stately homes.