It is the highest point of a small upland area between Collesie Den and Collairnie Farm.

The northern and western slopes of Cairnie Hill are quite steep and are used for rough grazing and forestry.

To the south the land rises gradually from the flat Howe of Fife and is used predominantly for arable farming.

Cairnie is a common place name in Fife, possibly originating from the Pictish Carden or thicket, with the addition of the Gaelic ending aigh.

An easy route to the summit starts at NO 273153, on the B937 about 2 km south of Lindores.