We found out later it was to be a little longer today than promised, but just another mile! Newmarket Inn had 'promised' the opportunity of bacon-butties at the start but it appeared from the kitchen that we would need to give them 20 minutes as they were busy. So no bacon butties and straight into retracing our steps back up the hill before rejoining the trail. Bit annoying or what?Not a pretty section to start the day but can't be helped as we have the railway line and the dual-led A27 to pass under and over before breathing in some fresh air as we ascend through woods and back up onto the downs via the aptly named, Long Hill. 
We seemed a little bunched up this morning with a lovely black Labrador, ball in mouth and bandana, passing us frequently, panting heavily.....or was that us? At the turn to Black Cap we passed through the gate to join a few others for a mid morning refresher. This let the 'fast ones' through and we were back to being more spread out.....which is what we enjoy most.
This is a classic long downs section with elevated views across the Weald or down to the sea towards Newhaven, Seaford, Peacehaven and Brighton, now marked from a distance by it's 365 tower, clearly visible for miles, that wasn't there last time we walked this way. 
A promise of an ice-cream at Ditchling Beacon, didn't disappoint some..... however we didn't partake in this opportunity but took our pre-packed lunch stop nearby instead, along with many other walkers and day-trippers as it was a Sunday! 
On more familiar ground to us, we carried on with scores of walkers and bikers, being it was the weekend, sun shining brightly making it a lively but happy scene. However, we suspect, away from car-parks at times the crowds just melt away and no one could be seen behind or ahead.
Cattle also seem to be enjoying the day as well as we photographed a group, determined to all stand upon a concrete base for what ever reason ,we couldn't comprehend. Perhaps it was warm to their feet, perhaps it elevated them slightly higher to catch the view we had no idea only it was not quite big enough for all and one poor chap or chap-ess was constantly being pushed out.
Enough of cow watching it was time to spot the Jack & Jill windmills (we couldn't quite see Jill but we knew it was there) just peeking above the hedge
before we turned off the trail ahead and followed the acorn down past a lovely new gifted seat & table, besides the Pyecombe Golf Club and on to Pyecombe Church that had prepared especially, as it kindly does each year, tea and homemade cakes. We sat amongst the ancient headstones in the sunshine for a very pleasant afternoon treat indeed. Leaving the very British scene behind and with just a few miles to go we crossed the noisy and busy A23 where yet another long hill greeted us leading over West Hill and down into Saddlescombe Farm where it was extra busy due to it being part of the UK Open Farm weekend. Tractors were pulling trailers full of children, sheep dogs were doing their stuff and teas and cakes were being sold from a makeshift gazebo cafe. 
We didn't stop as we still had a long-haul up to Devils Dyke Inn for our coach and to meet up with my son and granddaughter who had at one time, threatened to walk the whole day with us, but.......best laid plans! They were there however, to share a drink with us. There was plenty of time for a good natter whilst we waited for our coach to take us back on the short journey to Shoreham and our usual drive back to the 'static'. for our overnight sleep.