When is it safe to walk on a frozen lake?

[CFH]

Thanks for the replies chaps.

I've just been out there and as usual it is frozen solid. It is about -4'C out there today and the ice does look thick and set, but I'm not going to go on it. I will just stick to my exercise routine of walking around it.

There is no way I am ever going to be able to carry a cooker down there.

Not with that attitude.

[Diane]

It depends on the size, the bigger the lake, the thicker you need it to be. Especially if its a lake that has a current running underneath it. Remember The Omen II?

We had a pond across the street that was about the size of a regular skating rink, and it had to be 6-7 inches thick in order for us to skate on it.

[Master]

Miles, walking does not constitute exercise, not for someone of your age.

[Gandalf]

Miles, walking does not constitute exercise, not for someone of your age.

Vigorous walking and I do walk at twice the speed of pretty much any human being. I do 3 1/2 KM everyday. My walking is like a 45 year old running.

[Beanz]

Miles, walking does not constitute exercise, not for someone of your age.

Vigorous walking and I do walk at twice the speed of pretty much any human being. I do 3 1/2 KM everyday. My walking is like a 45 year old running.

I think you'll find most averagely healthy 45 year olds can run much faster than your speed walking. Bloody hell mate 45 ain't old and yet you go on as though being 31 is like middle age or something.

[greynotsoold]

I was just out at Georgetown Lake, one of the prettiest places on earth, and, in addition to at least 200 people out there ice fishing, I saw 4 ATVs and a pickup truck out 300 feet from shore.
And 45 is not old. I'm 47 and can run pretty fast.

[Gandalf]

Miles, walking does not constitute exercise, not for someone of your age.

Vigorous walking and I do walk at twice the speed of pretty much any human being. I do 3 1/2 KM everyday. My walking is like a 45 year old running.

I think you'll find most averagely healthy 45 year olds can run much faster than your speed walking. Bloody hell mate 45 ain't old and yet you go on as though being 31 is like middle age or something.

Probably, but I am doing enough to stimulate my heart and get some exercise. It's better than the nothing that most people do. I walk around the lake, I listen to some music and I enjoy it.

I do walk extremely quickly too, I have arguably the longest legs in the world and when they get going it is a little like a leg version of a Calzaghe combination. Windmills gliding over the floor. It is a glorious and mildly terrifying sight.

[Kev]

Miles, walking does not constitute exercise, not for someone of your age.

Vigorous walking and I do walk at twice the speed of pretty much any human being. I do 3 1/2 KM everyday. My walking is like a 45 year old running.

I think you'll find most averagely healthy 45 year olds can run much faster than your speed walking. Bloody hell mate 45 ain't old and yet you go on as though being 31 is like middle age or something.

Probably, but I am doing enough to stimulate my heart and get some exercise. It's better than the nothing that most people do. I walk around the lake, I listen to some music and I enjoy it.

I do walk extremely quickly too, I have arguably the longest legs in the world and when they get going it is a little like a leg version of a Calzaghe combination. Windmills gliding over the floor. It is a glorious and mildly terrifying sight.

Am I correct in picturing you in a grey school uniform with short trousers and carrying Nordic poles?
It's the image I have. Little cap as well, like a lanky Dickensian orphan.

[Gandalf]

Miles, walking does not constitute exercise, not for someone of your age.

Vigorous walking and I do walk at twice the speed of pretty much any human being. I do 3 1/2 KM everyday. My walking is like a 45 year old running.

I think you'll find most averagely healthy 45 year olds can run much faster than your speed walking. Bloody hell mate 45 ain't old and yet you go on as though being 31 is like middle age or something.

Probably, but I am doing enough to stimulate my heart and get some exercise. It's better than the nothing that most people do. I walk around the lake, I listen to some music and I enjoy it.

I do walk extremely quickly too, I have arguably the longest legs in the world and when they get going it is a little like a leg version of a Calzaghe combination. Windmills gliding over the floor. It is a glorious and mildly terrifying sight.

Am I correct in picturing you in a grey school uniform with short trousers and carrying Nordic poles?
It's the image I have. Little cap as well, like a lanky Dickensian orphan.

I'm not an Enid Blyton adventurer. I wear jeans and listen to an MP3 player. And wear a scarf.

[AdamGB]

The question you should actually be asking is 'when is it least dangerous to walk on ice'

[Andre]

It depends on the size, the bigger the lake, the thicker you need it to be. Especially if its a lake that has a current running underneath it. Remember The Omen II?

We had a pond across the street that was about the size of a regular skating rink, and it had to be 6-7 inches thick in order for us to skate on it.

Here I adjusted it into the truth for you.

It depends on the size, the bigger the lake, the thicker you need to be.