It lies north-east of Carter Fell at the head of Redesdale, and is crossed by the A68 road as it runs north towards Jedburgh and Teviotdale.

[3] Carter Bar was the location of the "truce days", at which the wardens of the English and Scottish marches would meet to dispense cross-border justice.

[4] In the 19th century a toll road was constructed from Carter Bar to the market town of Hawick, necessitating the building of the Bonchester Bridge over the Rule Water.

[6] Upper Redesdale, the Scottish Borders (including Tweeddale), and the Cheviot Hills are all visible from Carter Bar.

However, its altitude means snow is possible even in late spring and early autumn, and the Carter Bar pass can be subject to frequent snow-related closures during the winter.