Cairnie Hill lies at the eastern end of the Ochil Hills, above the village of Collessie Scotland. 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.