For nearly three decades, British adventurer Karl Bushby has been undertaking an extraordinary mission: to walk around the entire world without ever using motorized transport. Now 56 years old and a former paratrooper, Bushby is just about 1,000 miles away from completing this remarkable odyssey—a journey that has spanned 27 years, covered over 58,000 kilometers, and passed through 25 countries.
The Man Behind the Mission
Born on March 30, 1969, in England, Karl Bushby led a life far removed from ordinary after serving in the Parachute Regiment of the British Army. Drawing on the grit and determination cultivated in the military, he embarked on what many would deem an impossible challenge: to circumnavigate the planet on foot, beginning in November 1998 from the southern tip of South America.
Bushby’s goal has never been simply to travel the distance, but to do so entirely under his own power without relying on any motor vehicles. This strict self-imposed rule has added layers of difficulty and complexity to a journey already fraught with natural and political obstacles.
A Journey of Unparalleled Persistence
Over the years, Bushby has traversed a diverse array of landscapes—from the harsh deserts and dense jungles to some of the coldest and most remote regions on earth. His route took him through the Americas, with a grueling passage over Canada’s frozen wilderness, before crossing vast stretches of Siberia and Asia, threading through China and Europe.
His expedition has been marked by numerous setbacks. In 2013, a Russian visa ban halted his progress for five years, forcing patience and persistence while navigating bureaucratic hurdles. He also experienced 57 days in Russian detention after crossing an unofficial border. The COVID-19 pandemic brought a worldwide halt to many travelers, and Bushby was no exception—yet he persevered.
Approaching Home at Last
After 27 years on the move, Bushby’s journey is nearing its conclusion. If all goes according to plan, he should complete his circuit by September 2026, stepping back onto British soil to close a chapter that has defined more than half his life.
The final 1,000 miles represent not just distance but the culmination of relentless endurance, resourcefulness, and unyielding commitment to a dream that few have dared to even imagine. Unlike many adventurers who seek fame or fortune, Bushby’s story is one of quiet dedication—a powerful testament to human determination and the will to explore.
What Makes Bushby’s Expedition Extraordinary?
- Distance Covered: Over 58,000 kilometers on foot
- Countries Traversed: 25 nations across multiple continents
- Duration: 27 years and counting
- No Motorized Travel: Staying true to his self-imposed rule has made the journey uniquely challenging
- Obstacles Faced: Extreme climates, political conflicts, bureaucratic hurdles, financial challenges, and global pandemics
Karl Bushby’s relentless journey stands as one of the longest and most grueling human expeditions ever attempted. His story inspires adventurers and dreamers worldwide, proving that with unwavering resolve, the boundaries of possibility can be expanded.
As he approaches his homeland, the world watches in anticipation and admiration for the ex-paratrooper who dared to walk around the globe—and nearly completed what may well be the greatest walking expedition in history.
