Karl Bushby Nears End of 28-Year Goliath Expedition, Walking Home to Hull
In 1998, Karl Bushby, a former British paratrooper, departed from his mother’s home in Hull, England, to embark on a journey around the world. After 28 years, he has swum to Dover and is now completing the last 400 kilometers back to Hull. His adventure commenced in Punta Arenas, Chile, and took him through the Americas, Asia, and Europe, following strict rules of no transportation and no returning to Hull except on foot. His initial 12-year plan was prolonged due to financial crises, pandemics, and bureaucratic challenges, resulting in a total distance of 58,000 kilometers across 29 countries, setting a record for the longest continuous foot journey. Bushby intends to reach Hull on November 1, the anniversary of his departure.
Key facts
- Karl Bushby left his mother's home in Hull, England, in 1998 to walk around the world.
- His Goliath Expedition has lasted 28 years, more than double the 12 years originally planned.
- He walked 58,000 kilometers (about 36,000 miles) through 29 countries, a record for the longest unbroken foot trek.
- The route started in Punta Arenas, Chile, and crossed the Americas, Asia and Europe before he swam the English Channel to Dover.
- His two rules were never to use transport and not to return to Hull except on foot.
- He crossed the Bering Strait from Alaska to Russia on foot and swam the Caspian Sea from Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan.
- He was held in custody in Russia, convicted of spying and sentenced to deportation, and spent years stuck in Mexico after losing a sponsor.
- He plans to reach Hull on November 1, the anniversary of his 1998 departure, after a final 400-kilometer walk.
Entities
Artists
- Karl Bushby
Institutions
- TikTok
- YouTube
Locations
- Hull
- England
- United Kingdom
- Dover
- English Channel
- France
- Punta Arenas
- Chile
- South America
- Nicaragua
- Mexico
- Alaska
- United States
- Russia
- Asia
- Europe
- Bering Strait
- Caspian Sea
- Kazakhstan
- Azerbaijan