Karl Bushby, a former British paratrooper, has completed a 28-year journey walking 36,000 miles from Punta Arenas, Chile, to his hometown of Hull, England. His epic trek, which began on 1 November 1998, involved traversing the Americas, Asia, and Europe while adhering to self-imposed rules of no transport and no shortcuts. On 11 October 2026, Bushby swam the English Channel, marking his final step toward returning home.
The journey, which broke records for the longest unbroken foot journey, saw Bushby face extreme conditions including hurricanes, starvation, and near-death experiences. He survived captivity in Russia, threats from guerrilla groups in Colombia, and the perils of the Bering Strait. Despite being held at gunpoint and nearly becoming prey to a polar bear, Bushby credits the kindness of strangers for his survival.
“The real world is full of obstacles,” Bushby explained. “Financial crises, pandemics, visa bans, wars, and bureaucracy extended my timeline from 12 to 28 years.” His customised golf trolley, dubbed “The Beast,” carried essential supplies for 25 years through 29 countries. The trolley, rebuilt in Nicaragua after the original failed, remains a testament to his resourcefulness.
Bushby’s route followed a latitude-based challenge: starting at 53°S in Chile and walking to 53°N in Hull, mirroring his hometown’s position. This path required navigating the Pan-American Highway’s infamous Darién Gap, a 97km rainforest stretch where he disguised himself as a vagrant to evade guerrilla groups. “I had newspaper clippings about my journey in my pocket,” he said. “They helped me talk my way out of dangerous situations.”
His journey also included personal milestones. In Colombia, he fell in love with Catalina, a civil engineer, but their relationship ended due to visa restrictions and instability. “I wouldn’t quit – I just won’t let go,” Bushby said, reflecting on his resilience. His military background, marked by struggles with dyslexia and social isolation, fueled his determination to prove his tenacity.
Bushby’s return to Dover on 11 October 2026 involved a 20-hour swim across the Channel, using a wetsuit, fins, and a flotation vest. “I call it ‘floatimming,’ not swimming,” he joked, acknowledging the technicality of his method. His arrival was met with emotion, as he savoured his first fish and chips in 28 years, celebrating the culmination of a life-defining quest.
“Some things are worth dying for,” Bushby said, echoing the resolve that drove him across continents. His journey, a blend of human endurance and unexpected camaraderie, challenges perceptions of what is possible when one refuses to compromise.
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