The Man Who Walked the World : The Unstoppable Journey of Karl Bushby
In a world where speed, shortcuts, and convenience define our choices, one man chose the longest, hardest path possible literally. For nearly three decades, British adventurer Karl Bushby has been walking across continents in an attempt to complete the first continuous, unbroken walk around the world, using nothing but the strength of his own feet. Now, with fewer than 2,000 miles remaining, his extraordinary mission, the Goliath Expedition, is approaching its historic conclusion.A Dream That Began in 1998Karl Bushby, born on 30 March 1969 and a former British paratrooper, started his journey on November 1, 1998, from Punta Arenas, Chile. His mission was simple yet almost unbelievable Walk 36,000 miles (58,000 km) around the world without using any form of transportation. What he estimated would take eight years has turned into a 27-year odyssey. Throughout this journey, Bushby has crossed deserts, frozen seas, dense forests, political borders, and human limits. His story is not just about walking; it is about surviving, adapting, and believing in a dream long after the world stopped paying attention.Walking Across the AmericasFrom the southern tip of Chile, Bushby moved northwards through South America, Central America, and North America. By 2006, he had already completed 17,000 miles (27,000 km)—almost half his route. Along the way, he faced harsh weather, wild terrain, and the constant fear of injury. But every step carried him closer to history. One of the most dramatic chapters of Bushby’s journey came in March 2006, when he attempted to cross the Bering Strait, one of the most dangerous stretches of ice on Earth. Walking with French adventurer Dimitri Kieffer, he took a long, jagged 150-mile (240 km) path over drifting ice floes to cover the 58-mile (93 km) width between Alaska and Siberia. It was a test of strength, courage, and sheer stubbornness. But danger wasn’t limited to nature. They were detained by Russian border guards for entering through an unapproved location, putting Bushby’s entire expedition at risk. A potential ban from Russia would have ended everything.Still, he fought legally and continued.The Battle With BureaucracyFor Bushby, visas became as difficult as mountains, and the bureaucratic battle often proved tougher than the physical journey itself. From 2007 onward, his progress through Russia was constantly disrupted; he would secure a visa, lose it, and get approval again, only to face sudden rejection. In 2007, he still managed to walk more than 620 miles (1,000 km) from Uelen to Dvoynoye, but when his visa expired, he was forced to return to Alaska. The following year brought fresh challenges: as winter ended, the melting ice turned the terrain into swamps and rivers, making it impossible to continue on foot. Then came the 2008 global financial crisis, which caused his sponsors to withdraw support and left him unable to re-enter Russia for almost two years. Just when he regained momentum, Russia denied him a visa again in 2012, shutting the door on his route. Yet despite every setback, political, financial, or environmental, Bushby kept coming back, determined to push forward whenever the smallest window of opportunity opened.The Caspian Sea: A Swim to SurviveWhen countries blocked his land route, Bushby made a decision that stunned the world. In August 2024, he undertook a 31-day swim across the Caspian Sea, covering 179 miles (288 km). To avoid Iran and Russia—too dangerous for a British passport holder—he swam 132 hours total Two 3-hour sessions daily Resting on support boats at night This was not just a physical feat, it was a testament to how far a dream can push a person. After reaching Azerbaijan, Bushby walked into Turkey and toward Europe. By June 2025, he reached Armenia, waiting for a visa to re-enter Turkey. By September 2025, he crossed Turkey and stepped into Bulgaria. By October 2025, he entered Romania, just 1,375 miles (2,213 km) from the UK. Now, he waits in Mexico for a final visa that will allow him to cross the last leg and walk home to Hull, England, where his journey began in spirit 27 years ago.What Karl Bushby’s Journey Teaches UsKarl Bushby’s extraordinary 27-year expedition teaches us that human determination can outlast borders, failures, and time itself. His story is a reminder that the greatest achievements are not born from comfort but from relentless persistence in the face of overwhelming odds. Whether battling frozen seas, political red tape, financial collapse, or sheer loneliness, Bushby showed that dreams are not achieved by talent alone; they demand patience, resilience, and the courage to keep moving when everything around you says stop. A Historic Finish AwaitsWith fewer than 2,000 miles (3,219 km) left, Bushby is closer than ever to making history. If successful, he will become the first human to complete an unbroken walk around the world. After 27 years of determination, struggle, and faith, the finish line is finally in sight. Whether he reaches Hull tomorrow or years later, Karl Bushby has already left behind more than footprints; he has left a legacy of human willpower at its strongest.
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