A Quarter-Century Quest: The Final Stride Towards Home
The Unfolding of an Unprecedented Journey: From Punta Arenas to European Shores
On November 1, 1998, Karl Bushby commenced an unparalleled expedition from Punta Arenas, Chile. With a modest sum and an audacious vision he christened the Goliath Expedition, his objective was unprecedented: to walk around the world without mechanized assistance, never returning home until the entire journey was complete. After traversing an astonishing 47,000 kilometers, the seasoned ex-paratrooper has now reached European soil, making his triumphant return to the continent for the first time in over two decades.
Navigating the Complexities: Bureaucracy and Border Crossings
Upon his arrival in Turkey in the spring of 2025, specifically crossing Istanbul's Bosphorus Bridge on May 2, Bushby officially transitioned from Asia to Europe. However, this significant milestone was immediately met with the persistent challenge of bureaucratic red tape. Turkish visa regulations necessitated his immediate departure, compelling him to briefly relocate to Mexico. This three-month hiatus allowed him to reapply for entry into Turkey, a testament to the continuous administrative obstacles he has faced throughout his epic trek.
The Road Ahead: The Homestretch Through Europe
Recently, Bushby returned to Istanbul, poised to resume the final segment of his journey. His path will weave through Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Austria, Germany, and France, before culminating in his hometown of Hull, England. With just 3,000 kilometers remaining, he is optimistic about reaching his final destination by September 2026, bringing an end to his monumental endeavor.
A Labyrinth of Obstacles: Overcoming Relentless Challenges
The past 27 years have been punctuated by a series of formidable challenges, including stringent bureaucratic demands, unavoidable detours through conflict zones, financial constraints, and even a global pandemic. These unforeseen circumstances often forced Bushby to temporarily suspend his walk, flying to pre-designated holding areas like Mexico, where he would await the resolution of obstacles before recommencing his journey. His self-imposed rules permitted such aerial transfers only when absolutely necessary to circumvent insurmountable barriers.
Milestones of Resilience: Confronting Nature's Extremes and Political Impasses
Bushby's odyssey has seen him conquer some of the planet's most formidable natural barriers, including the notorious Darien Gap, a dense jungle and swamp region between Colombia and Panama. His journey continued across Central America and the United States. In 2006, alongside fellow adventurer Dimitri Kieffer, he captured international attention by undertaking a perilous crossing of the frozen Bering Strait. This feat, involving navigating treacherous ice floes and braving arctic gales, ended with their arrest upon reaching Siberia. Years of intricate diplomatic negotiations ensued, involving high-profile figures, to secure permission to traverse Russia, a journey far exceeding the typical tourist visa duration. Finally, in 2014, the necessary authorization was granted. His route then led him through Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. The absence of a visa for Iran, coupled with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, once again brought his progress to a halt.
Innovative Solutions: The Unconventional Caspian Sea Passage
Following another extended pause in Mexico, Bushby devised an ingenious, albeit unusual, solution to bypass Iran: he would swim across the Caspian Sea. Collaborating with fellow long-distance walker Angela Maxwell, he embarked on a 288-kilometer swimming endeavor from Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan, undertaken in multiple stages. Despite acknowledging that swimming was not his primary strength, this extraordinary method enabled him to circumvent the geographical and political barriers, allowing his expedition to continue its eastward trajectory.
The Ultimate Frontier: Conquering the English Channel
As the finishing line draws near, one final, daunting hurdle remains: crossing the English Channel. Bound by his strict self-imposed rules against mechanical transport, traditional sailing is not an option, and walking through the Channel Tunnel is prohibited. Bushby's only viable recourse is to obtain special permission to utilize the 4.8-meter-wide service tunnel, typically reserved for maintenance personnel. This final obstacle encapsulates the spirit of ingenuity and determination that has defined his entire journey.
Reflections on the Horizon: The Bittersweet End of an Era
In a recent interview with BBC Radio, Bushby shared his mixed emotions about the impending conclusion of his odyssey. He expressed a sense of disquiet about the abrupt cessation of his lifelong purpose, acknowledging the strangeness of nearing a definitive end. While anticipating the transition to new pursuits, he also reflected on the bittersweet nature of reuniting with his family, recognizing that their reconnection would involve a process of rediscovery after such a prolonged absence.