Is Cairnie Hill a hard climb?

Cairnie Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Underfoot: Forestry roads throughout, with a narrow path through spruce to the summit clearing.

What is Cairnie Hill's prominence?

150m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Cairnie Hill to the next higher ground. That drop is what qualifies it as a Marilyn — a hill with at least 150m of descent on every side.

Where do I park for Cairnie Hill?

Most walkers start from NO 282 152. Verify the grid reference on an OS map before you set off — space is tight on busy summer weekends.

When is the best time to climb Cairnie Hill?

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Cairnie Hill. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.

Is Cairnie Hill dog-friendly?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Becky Williamson / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Ochils

Cairnie Hill

Cairnie Hill is a modest 228m wooded ridge in north-east Fife between Cupar and Newburgh at NO27. Forestry plantation cloaks the lower flanks while the summit clearing offers views over the Howe of Fife and toward the Tay.

Quick facts

Height: 228.9m/ 751ft
Prominence: 150 m
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NO 27933 15486
Parking: NO 282 152
Nearest city: Perth· 18km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).

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Standard route

grass slopes 65% · heather patches 25% · boggy ground 10%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

Start from the forestry parking on the minor road north of Letham and follow the gravel track up through Cairnie Wood. A short detour off the main track reaches the summit trig hidden among the trees.

Terrain

Forestry roads throughout, with a narrow path through spruce to the summit clearing. Easy underfoot but limited views except at gaps in the canopy.

In winter

Sheltered woodland walk that works well as a foul-weather option. Forestry tracks can be icy after thaw and refreeze; otherwise undemanding year-round.

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow3h 3m
Edinburgh1h 58m

Parking: NO 282 152

OS maps: OS Landranger 59, OS Explorer 370

Mobile signal: Good. Perthshire/Fife border; EE reliable.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

17h 57mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:11
Sunset: 21:28
Civil dawn: 04:21
Civil dusk: 22:18

NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026

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Around Cairnie Hill on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Dunkeld

Southern Cairngorms gateway — Hermitage, Loch of the Lowes

37km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Cairnie Hill — common questions

Is Cairnie Hill a hard climb?: Cairnie Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Underfoot: Forestry roads throughout, with a narrow path through spruce to the summit clearing.
What is Cairnie Hill's prominence?: 150m of prominence. That's the vertical drop from the summit to the col that links Cairnie Hill to the next higher ground. That drop is what qualifies it as a Marilyn — a hill with at least 150m of descent on every side.
Where do I park for Cairnie Hill?: Most walkers start from NO 282 152. Verify the grid reference on an OS map before you set off — space is tight on busy summer weekends.
When is the best time to climb Cairnie Hill?: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October give the most reliable conditions on Cairnie Hill. Beyond that window the high ground turns wintry: carry full mountain kit, be confident navigating, and check the SAIS avalanche forecast for the area.
Is Cairnie Hill dog-friendly?: Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
Is there mobile signal on Cairnie Hill?: Good. Perthshire/Fife border; EE reliable.
Is Cairnie Hill safe in winter?: Sheltered woodland walk that works well as a foul-weather option. Forestry tracks can be icy after thaw and refreeze; otherwise undemanding year-round.

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