For nearly three decades, Karl Bushby has done something extraordinary: he walked. Across continents, deserts, war zones, mountains, and frozen oceans, Bushby’s mission has been to journey entirely on foot from the tip of South America back to his home in the United Kingdom—without using any motorized transport.
Starting in 1998, what began as a personal challenge evolved into one of history’s longest overland expeditions. At 56, Bushby is nearing the final stretch, facing his last barrier: the English Channel—a crossing he may need to swim. “Swimming sucks, dude. It just sucks,” he admitted, confessing his dread of water despite decades of unimaginable obstacles.
His journey has been filled with peril: crossing Colombia and Panama’s Darién Gap through jungles and cartel territory, and the frozen Bering Strait where he encountered a polar bear. Administrative hurdles—visas, border closures, and the pandemic—added to the danger. He even swam across the Caspian Sea when blocked.
Over 27 years, Bushby has walked tens of thousands of miles, survived extreme environments, and faced political and natural hazards. His journey is a testament to human endurance, obsession, and resilience. Now, the world watches as he approaches the finish line he has long dreamed of: British soil—on foot.
