For 25 years, Karl Bushby has been walking the globe with no form of transportation except his own two feet. His goal? To complete a continuous walk around the world, and he’s now close to achieving this monumental feat as he prepares to cross the English Channel from France to the UK. This incredible journey, which started in 1998, is more than just a test of endurance—it’s a story of resilience, personal discovery, and an unbroken path home.
The Start of the Expedition

In November 1998, Karl Bushby set off from Punta Arenas, Chile, with an audacious goal: to walk 36,000 miles back to his home in Hull, England, without using any form of transportation.1 This journey, which he dubbed the “Goliath Expedition,” was expected to take 12 years but has now spanned more than two decades.
The name of the expedition reflects the enormous scale of the challenge. His two main rules are simple: no transportation and no returning home until he completes the journey entirely on foot.2
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Overcoming Major Obstacles Along the Way

Bushby’s walk has not been easy. He has faced several major geographical “gaps” that have required meticulous planning and immense physical effort. These include crossing the infamous Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia, and making a daring trek across the frozen Bering Strait from Alaska to Russia, which earned him a world record.3
The next big challenge? Crossing the English Channel, one of the final steps in his long journey back home.
Challenges in Russia and the English Channel

One of the most difficult stretches of Bushby’s journey was crossing Russia. It took him 11 years to walk through the country due to visa issues, and he was even banned from re-entering Russia for five years. Despite these bureaucratic obstacles, he remained determined.
Now, his next hurdle is the English Channel. Walking through the Channel Tunnel seems to be his best option. Although foot traffic is normally prohibited, Bushby is hopeful that authorities will grant him special permission to walk the service tunnel. “Would they say no after decades of effort and only 21 miles from home?” he asked.
The Personal Motivation Behind the Journey

For Bushby, this expedition has been about more than just setting a record. It has also been a personal quest for fulfillment and discovery. Coming from a military family and spending years as a paratrooper, Bushby was driven by a sense of adventure and wanderlust.
His walk is a way of proving that humans are capable of extraordinary things, no matter the obstacles. “It’s a challenge-based endeavor,” he explained, one that reflects his belief that exploration and resilience are part of the human spirit.
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Physical and Emotional Toll

Walking over 36,000 miles has taken a toll on Bushby’s body and mind. Despite keeping himself fit, the wear and tear of constant walking have led to injuries, and the psychological challenges of isolation have been immense. In one particularly difficult moment, he was emotionally paralyzed for an entire day, unable to leave his tent because of a sudden wave of grief and memories of a past relationship.
Despite these hardships, Bushby’s dedication to his mission has never wavered.
Family Sacrifices and Reunions

During his journey, Bushby had to sacrifice time with his family, including his son, Adam, who was only five years old when he left. Years later, Adam joined his father for part of the journey, walking with him during a crucial leg from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. to appeal for a Russian visa.
This reunion helped rebuild their relationship, and Bushby now reflects on how much he missed while chasing his dream. Yet, he remains focused on completing his journey.
The End is Near: Crossing the English Channel

Now, after 25 years, Bushby is on the verge of completing his epic walk. His final obstacle is the English Channel, which he hopes to cross soon. His plan is to walk through the Channel Tunnel, using a service tunnel reserved for maintenance crews. If successful, Bushby will have walked from the southern tip of South America to his home in the UK—a journey unmatched in modern times.
An Extraordinary Achievement

Karl Bushby’s 25-year, 36,000-mile journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Through hardships, personal sacrifices, and extreme conditions, he has continued to walk, driven by his vision of completing an unbroken path around the world. As he prepares to cross the English Channel and return home to Hull, his journey stands as a testament to the power of human determination.
Sources
- “Divers make major finding that could solve mystery behind sinking of yacht that killed British billionaire Mike Lynch.” Lad Bible. Britt Jones. September 15, 2024
- “Karl Bushby: The Man Who Chose To Walk Around The World.” Refuga. Lars. August 24, 2015.
- “Why walk the world for 22 years – Karl Bushby.” Arm Chair Adventure. November 26, 2020.