The village of Kippford stands near the head of the firth where the Urr Water reaches the sea; the only other coastal settlement of any size is Rockcliffe.

Smooth mudflat and merse are present, as are gently shelving beaches and rolling farmland; also steep cliffs, rocky islands, gorsey knolls and rough moorland.There is a small 6th-century trading post known as the Mote of Mark, which stands on a rocky outcrop, and is owned by the National Trust for Scotland.

Orchardton Tower is in the care of Historic Environment Scotland as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

[3] The areas protected by the designation are considered to represent the type of scenic beauty "popularly associated with Scotland and for which it is renowned".

[1][2] As well as the inlet of Rough Firth and its immediate surroundings the designated area extends eastwards as far as the Mersehead Sands near the small settlement of Caulkerbush.