British adventurer Karl Bushby is about to make history by completing the world’s longest unbroken walk. After 27 years, thousands of kilometers, and overcoming visa hurdles, financial struggles, and natural barriers, Bushby is now on the final stretch of his journey. He set out from Punta Arenas, Chile, in 1998, and has walked across continents, swum across seas, and battled extreme weather—all without using any form of transport.
Who Is Karl Bushby?
Karl Bushby is a former British paratrooper from Hull, England. His dream was to walk an unbroken path around the world, starting from the southern tip of South America and ending back home. Over the years, his journey has taken him through 25 countries, six deserts, and seven mountain ranges. He has walked over 47,000 kilometers, making him one of the most remarkable endurance walkers in history.
What Challenges Did He Face?
Bushby’s journey was far from easy. He faced:
- Visa complications and border restrictions, especially in Russia and Turkey.​
- Financial struggles, including losing funding during the 2008 financial crisis.​
- Travel bans and arrests, including a five-year ban from Russia in 2013.​
- The COVID-19 pandemic, which caused major delays.​
- Natural obstacles like crossing the Caspian Sea by swimming for 31 days, and braving ice chunks in the Bering Strait.​
Despite these setbacks, Bushby never gave up. His journey is a testament to human willpower, determination, and the spirit of adventure.
Where Is He Now?
As of December 2025, Karl Bushby has reached Hungary and is now walking through Europe. He has about 932 miles (1,500 km) left to reach his hometown of Hull, England. He plans to finish his journey by September 2026, making it a 27-year-long adventure.
Why Is His Journey So Special?
Bushby’s expedition, known as the Goliath Expedition, is unique because:
- He walked every single kilometer, including swimming across seas when no land route was possible.​
- He never used any form of transport, making it the longest unbroken walk around the world.​
- His journey has inspired millions, showing that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things with persistence and courage
This is Karl Bushby. In 1998, he made a bar bet that he could walk from Chile to England. 27 years later, he is still walking. He has survived the Darién Gap, 57 days in a Russian prison, and traversing the Bering Strait on shifting ice. pic.twitter.com/4p6bldYkhP
— non aesthetic things (@PicturesFoIder) December 6, 2025
What’s Next for Karl Bushby?
Bushby is preparing for the final leg of his journey through Turkey and into Europe. He may face more visa challenges and logistical issues, but he is determined to finish strong. When he reaches Hull, he will be the first person to walk an unbroken path around the world, setting a new record for human endurance.
