The coach was on time and it was a 'late' start from the car-park as it was our second shortest road trip today. Bacon butties were the temptation today as we arrived at the superb Frankland Arms once again. Staff had turned up especially today so it would be rude not to partake in our second breakfast! 
Plenty did as the tables were full in the early sunshine that would stay with us now for the rest of the day. Leaving the pub with a happy stomach we took the 'safe' route through the village, over the duelled A24 and up through a lovely ascent to join, what must be the 'unsafe' route I sumise, at the top of Sullington Hill. With the knowledge this was to be a shorter day today , only 9 miles we were promised, put a spring in our step with thoughts of the cafe near the end for afternoon tea. 
Elevated views across to Storrington on our right and the sea towards Littlehampton on our left, as we approached Chantry Post, we had a nice surprise waiting for us, Keith and Sally had put up a sun shade and table to greet us with a half-way refreshing drink and photo opportunity in the strong sunshine. So only 53 miles to go! 
Another surprise, we were told to expect, was the ice-cream girl who would appear three times for our walkers, just above Springhead Hill and only a couple miles on and down to the Arun river crossing at Houghton Bridge. We went off-piste slightly to stop at the Bridge Cafe for tea and cake, lovely views up the river and nice outdoor seated area that was pretty full of people that mainly seemed to drive there. Nice but pricey.....would be my comment but that didn't stop the flow of customers. Backtracking slightly then following the Arun towpath till we crossed over a footbridge and took to the fields. 
Just a mile to go, said the lady in my pocket that had kept a very accurate account via satellites. Crossing fields and preparing for a steep climb up an uneven track to cross the busy A29 before '9 miles' was announced and arrow-signs told us to leave here choosing a rather overgrown footpath as opposed nice track. It was here we discovered later, that Clive and small dog Lizzie didn't believe the overgrown path to be correct and added another mile on top of the other mile to their journey by becoming 'temporarily uncertain of where they were' (lost)! Back to our path.........a mile long, overgrown and nettles that eventually came out to the car-park at Whiteways Lodge where coaches awaited.
We didn't fancy the cafe so looked at the mobile information display that the South Downs Park people had put on for us, took the ticket for the next available coach knowing we had less miles to walk now, than we had already walked! 
So 10+ miles completed today but it still felt good with no real aches and pains just Lesley with her 7mile+ 'tingly' feet. The sensation soon dissipates when boots are removed! 
Coach back in comfort to Shoreham where the car awaits to take us back to our static.