Karl Bushby
Karl Bushby is an English walking adventurer, former paratrooper, and author known for attempting to become the first person to walk an unbroken path around the world.
Karl Bushby is an English walking adventurer attempting the first unbroken walk around the world. He began the Goliath Expedition in southern Chile in 1998 and is now nearing the final leg back to his home town of Hull.
What is the Goliath Expedition?
The Goliath Expedition is Bushby’s attempt to walk a continuous, unbroken path around the globe without using any motorized transport. He started from Punta Arenas, Chile, on 1 November 1998. The route has taken him through the Americas, across the Bering Strait, through Asia, and now into Europe. The intended finish line is his birthplace: Kingston upon Hull, England.
Key milestones and challenges
Bushby has faced major obstacles including the Darién Gap, crossing the Bering Strait by foot (helped by a winter ice bridge), and swimming across the Caspian Sea in 2024. Visa problems, border restrictions, and long delays have stretched the expedition to nearly three decades. Recent reports in 2025–2026 indicate he is on the final leg and expected to return to Hull soon.
Why it matters
Bushby’s journey has drawn international media attention as one of the longest continuous walks ever attempted. At roughly 27–28 years, it is an extreme test of human endurance and planning. As a former British paratrooper and author, his story resonates with audiences interested in adventure, perseverance, and the limits of self-propelled travel.
In short
- Karl Bushby started walking around the world in 1998, aiming for an unbroken, motor-free route.
- He crossed the Bering Strait and swam the Caspian Sea during the expedition.
- After 27+ years, he is nearing the final leg to Hull, England.
- He is a former British paratrooper and author.
Canadian media and adventure audiences have followed Bushby’s expedition as an extreme endurance story, but there is no strong Canada-specific connection in the available sources.
Quick questions
Who is Karl Bushby?
What is the Goliath Expedition?
Has Karl Bushby used any transport?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_BushbySupports: Birth date, birthplace, occupation, expedition name, start date, and overview of the Goliath Expedition.
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8rd3n80j4oSupports: Recent profile, distance traveled, 28-year duration, and expedition highlights including the Bering Strait and Darién Gap.
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2e30mxnmxdoSupports: Former paratrooper status, Caspian Sea crossing, and nearing completion of the journey.
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx23mwry74koSupports: Departure from Hull, start date in 1998, Caspian Sea crossing, and family context.
- Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/british-globe-trekker-faces-changed-world-final-leg-27-year-journey-2025-11-26/Supports: Identity as a former British paratrooper, Goliath Expedition, non-motorized travel, Bering Strait and Caspian Sea crossing.
- Dave's Travel Corner — https://www.davestravelcorner.com/interviews/karl-bushby-adventurer-and-author/Supports: Describes Bushby as an adventurer and author and mentions his book about the expedition.