The land is getting lower, less steep and the climate is less extreme. This allows for greater use of the valley. Arable farming can now take place although livestock will still be found. The land is suitable for building and there are villages and small towns here. The flatter and wider valley floor may have road and even rail transport links.

Forestry is still carried out in the middle course, especially where the soil is not fertile enough for farming.

The wider range of activities available to people here means that the population density is greater than in the upper course.