Got the earliest train from Chichester - Horsham and walked to the starting point. The GPX is needed to get out of Horsham with a lack of route markers but once on the trail they tend to be well marked. Water stops at Barns Green Village Store (15ish km) and Amberley Village Shop (40ish km). £3 minimum spend at these but they were nice and let me off as I only needed water.
Some sections of route were overgrown but conditions underfoot were good. The climb to the South Downs was tough particular with a sudden rise in temperature and sun exposure following a brief thunderstorm and rain. Having carried all my nutrition from the start I noticed some chafing/rubbing on my back which led to me carrying my pack in one hand to avoid wearing it.
I had intended to be closer to 8h30m however the heat and back niggles slowed me down towards the end.