Karl Bushby has spent the last 25 years walking across the globe on foot, covering over 36,000 miles. His extraordinary journey, known as the Goliath Expedition, started in 1998, and after decades of challenges, the British adventurer is now close to completing his mission. His goal is simple yet staggering: to return to the UK without using any form of transportation, creating a continuous line of “unbroken footsteps” around the world. Now, the final hurdle stands before him—the English Channel.
Who is Karl Bushby?
Karl Bushby, originally from Hull, England, is a former paratrooper who embarked on his walk in November 1998. His adventure began in Punta Arenas, Chile, and he set off with the bold goal of walking back to the UK without taking any transportation. Initially, he estimated the journey would take around 12 years, but unexpected challenges extended his trip by more than double that time.
Karl’s walk is not just about physical endurance but also mental resilience. Walking across different terrains, climates, and through various political situations, he has faced numerous obstacles that would have discouraged most people. However, Karl has always found a way to keep moving forward, guided by a deep-rooted determination to complete his mission.
Major Obstacles Along the Way
Over the past 25 years, Karl has faced many formidable obstacles. Some of the most notable challenges include crossing natural gaps between countries, dealing with visa and political issues, and enduring extreme climates. The most significant gaps in his journey have been the Darien Gap, the Bering Strait, and now, the English Channel.
1. The Darien Gap (Colombia to Panama)
One of the most dangerous regions on Earth, the Darien Gap is a dense and lawless jungle that separates Colombia and Panama. This was the first major natural gap in Karl’s journey. The Darien Gap is infamous for being a haven for drug cartels, armed groups, and wildlife, making it one of the most perilous places to cross on foot. Despite these dangers, Karl successfully navigated through the jungle without using any form of transportation, keeping his journey intact.
2. The Bering Strait (Russia to the USA)
In 2006, Karl faced another massive challenge: crossing the Bering Strait between Russia and Alaska. This 55-mile stretch of icy waters separates the two countries and posed a nearly impossible task. To accomplish the feat, Karl crossed on foot over ice sheets and even swam through sections of the freezing waters. This treacherous leg of his journey was one of the most dangerous and physically demanding, but it only solidified Karl’s reputation as one of the most determined adventurers in the world.
3. The English Channel (France to the UK)
Now, Karl faces his final obstacle: crossing the English Channel, the 21-mile waterway separating France and the UK. Unlike the previous gaps, there is no straightforward way for Karl to cross the Channel without breaking the rules of his mission. The Channel is known for its rough waters and unpredictable weather, making swimming an impractical and unsafe option. Instead, Karl hopes to walk through the Channel Tunnel.
The Channel Tunnel
The Channel Tunnel, which connects France and the UK, is an engineering marvel. It primarily serves high-speed trains, with sections dedicated to freight trains and passenger vehicles. However, the tunnel also has a smaller service tunnel, 4.8 meters in diameter, meant for maintenance and emergencies. This service tunnel runs between the two main rail tunnels and could potentially allow Karl to walk through safely.
Although the service tunnel seems like an ideal solution for Karl’s crossing, there is a significant issue—pedestrians are not allowed to walk through it. For Karl to use this route, he needs special permission from officials, which he is currently seeking. If granted, this would allow him to complete his walk and return home with his unbroken line of footsteps intact.
Karl remains optimistic about his chances of gaining permission, telling the Armchair Adventure Festival, “Would they say no after decades of effort and only 21 miles from home?”
However, the outcome is still uncertain. Gaining permission to walk through the Channel Tunnel is no small feat, and it depends on whether the authorities will allow an exception for Karl, considering the unique nature of his expedition.
The Significance of Karl’s Mission
Karl’s journey is not just a physical accomplishment; it is also a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit. He has walked across deserts, jungles, frozen landscapes, and politically unstable regions, overcoming obstacles that would seem insurmountable to most. His walk is a demonstration of what can be achieved with enough determination, patience, and mental toughness.
Visa and Political Hurdles
In addition to the natural challenges, Karl has faced numerous political and visa issues. One of the biggest setbacks occurred in Russia, where he was arrested in 2004 for crossing into the country at the wrong entry point. He was banned from re-entering Russia for five years, delaying his progress and forcing him to adjust his route. Visa requirements and border controls have added logistical complexity to his journey, requiring him to seek sponsorships and continuous renewals to keep moving.
Despite these obstacles, Karl has managed to navigate through countless bureaucratic and political hurdles, keeping his journey alive.
Physical and Mental Endurance
Walking thousands of miles for over two decades is an unimaginable physical challenge. Karl has faced extreme temperatures, harsh weather conditions, and varying terrains, from deserts to frozen tundra. Walking up to 30 miles a day has kept him in top shape, but it has also taken a toll on his body.
More than the physical demands, the mental aspect of such a journey is perhaps even more challenging. The isolation and constant uncertainty require immense mental resilience. Over the years, Karl has shared his journey on social media, documenting his progress and the highs and lows of his expedition.
What’s Next for Karl Bushby?
With just 21 miles separating Karl from completing his epic journey, the outcome now rests on whether he can gain permission to walk through the Channel Tunnel. If successful, Karl will set a new world record for the longest continuous walk, returning to his hometown of Hull with an incredible story of perseverance, endurance, and adventure.
If denied permission, Karl will face the difficult task of finding another way to cross the English Channel without breaking the rules of his mission. However, given the scale of his accomplishment, many believe Karl deserves the chance to complete his walk in the way he intended.
Stay updated on Karl’s final leg of the journey by following his social media channels. Share his story and help spread awareness of his incredible mission. Let’s support Karl in completing this extraordinary expedition!
