By Ben Davies BBC News Online political staff

But not necessarily the walk in the country variety.

So what could be nicer on a sunny day in Brighton to get away from it all and take a bit of exercise?

This year's fringe event with the Ramblers Association offered exactly that chance.

The only walking I do is between doorsteps canvassing and delivering leaflets Lorely Burt

A group of party faithful duly gathered outside the conference centre shortly before lunchtime on Wednesday to board a coach bound for a destination just outside the seaside town.

It was clear from the outset that not everybody among the 16 or so participants was an enthusiastic walker.

And it wasn't just because people didn't have the right kit - the advert had said 'no boots or compasses required'.

Solihull parliamentary hopeful Lorely Burt confided to BBC News Online that for her the word "walk was an obscene four letter word".

"The only walking I do is between doorsteps canvassing and delivering leaflets."

Ambler's association

So why had she come? "My husband and I went shopping this morning and that's his version of a four letter word.

"Actually he quite enjoyed it as I am certainly enjoying this ramble."

Truth be told, as we passed along the edge of the Brighton racecourse with views of the South Downs to the right and the sea to the left, this was more an amble than a ramble.

Of course politics was never very far away. It wasn't long before Mrs Burt was quizzing the Rambler's Association campaigns officer Ed Wilson about access for walkers in the countryside.

John Barstow, a parish councillor from Fittleworth, West Sussex, was also keen to talk politics - well he did join the Lib Dems aged 14.

Exercised

He declared this year's conference highlight was the victory of the Lib Dems in the Brent East by-election shortly before delegates arrived in Brighton.

After about 50 minutes the walkers - a group of people from all over the United Kingdom - were invited to lunch at a local Brighton pub.

It has to be said that the Ramblers Association lay on an extremely good spread.

As Mr Wilson remarked: "Going for a walk at lunchtime is beneficial for your health and great fun."

And if you eat like that you certainly need the exercise.