Question is, is there anything vertical on that slope for the ivy to climb?? Tree trunks?
Ivy runs then climbs. Think of all the ivy covered walls, buildings and tree trunks. Gravity doesn't dictate where ivy will run (unlike vinca major/minor). If the slope isn't too steep I'd say plant at bottom and mid bottom and stake it to grow in the direction you want.

Thanks, Dottie. I'll give it a try.

English ivy is a terrible invasive plant in Piedmont forest areas. Why not plant something else? When it goes vertical on tree trunks, it then flowers, and birds spread the seed. At least please do not let it climb vertically.

I came here to say what brenda_near_eno already said. Try a different kind of vine if you can.

There is english ivy on my property and on both of my neighbor's property. Even if we all concentrated our efforts on eliminating it, I don't think we would be able to get rid of it entirely. It just just grows anywhere and everywhere.