River Ellen

The Ellen is a river in the English county of Cumbria, flowing from Skiddaw in the Northern Fells to the Solway Firth at Maryport. It was historically in the county of Cumberland. It is approximately 25 miles (40.2 km) in length.

River Ellen
The mouth of the River Ellen at Maryport harbour.
River Ellen is located in Cumbria
River Ellen
Location of the mouth within Cumbria
Location
CountryUnited Kingdom
Constituent countryEngland
Physical characteristics
SourceSkiddaw massif
 • locationKeswick, Northern Fells
MouthMaryport harbour
 • location
Maryport, Solway Firth
 • coordinates
54.7145°N 3.5013°W / 54.7145; -3.5013
Length25 mi (40 km)
Basin features
Tributaries 
 • leftGill Gooden
 • rightDash Beck

Course
Bridge over the River Ellen dividing Baggrow and Blennerasset

The river rises on the Skiddaw massif,[1] and runs in a generally westerly direction, passing Uldale, Ireby, Boltongate, Baggrow and Blennerhasset parish boundary and Aspatria. From there, it continues southwest (instead of more northwesterly) past Oughterside, Gilcrux, Bullgill, Crosby and Dearham, and skirts the grounds of Netherhall School before flowing into the Solway Firth at Maryport.

Fish

The river contains populations of brown trout, eels, lamprey, minnows, salmon, sea trout, and stickleback.[2][3]

Sewage contamination

In 2023, it was reported that a pipe owned by the water company United Utilities had discharged sewage into the river for almost 7,000 hours in 2022.[4]

Tributaries

References
  1. "West Cumbria Rivers Trust - Ellen". Retrieved 21 February 2015.
  2. "Lake District Fishing - River Ellen". Retrieved 21 February 2015.
  3. "West Cumbria Rivers Trust - Ellen". Retrieved 21 February 2015.
  4. Horton, Helena (21 April 2023). "Sewage-soaked field stops creation of new woodland in Greater Manchester". The Guardian. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
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