The uplands have an area of 1,692 square kilometres (653 sq mi) and an average elevation of 412 metres (1,352 ft).

The river Svitava and its tributaries in the southern tip of the uplands head to the Black Sea.

The northern part with the rivers Chrudimka, Loučná, Novohradka, Třebovka and Tichá Orlice is drained by the Elbe.

The most populated towns in the territory are Chrudim, Svitavy, Česká Třebová, Ústí nad Orlicí, Vysoké Mýto, Litomyšl, Přelouč and Polička.

The geologically diverse bedrock is dominated by marlite, claystones, spongilites, sandstones and marly limestones.