The River Ellen has its source on the western slopes of Great Sca Fell, flowing westerly to the Solway Firth. Drainage from the east of the fell flows eventually into the River Caldew and then the Eden to again reach the sea at the Solway.
The River Ellen's source is located on the western slopes of Great Sca Fell, where it flows westwards towards the Solway Firth. The river's water from the eastern side of the fell eventually joins the River Caldew and then the Eden before reaching the sea at the Solway.