Karl Bushby Faces Channel Tunnel

The Final Steps: A 26-Year Walk Nears Home, But The Channel Blocks The Way

A British adventurer, poised to complete an unprecedented 26-year walk around the globe, faces an unexpected final obstacle at the English Channel. Karl Bushby, a former paratrooper, has journeyed over 36,000 miles on foot since 1998, adhering to a strict rule of not using any kind of vehicle. Now, with his Hull hometown almost in sight, the bureaucratic hurdles of the Channel Tunnel threaten to halt his progress. His self-imposed regulations prohibit him from taking a ferry, leaving an access passageway as his only viable option.

Despite his team’s persistent efforts to contact the tunnel operators, Getlink, they have been met with a wall of silence. The situation presents a frustrating and ironic twist for a man who has successfully navigated some of the planet’s most dangerous and remote regions, including the treacherous Darien Gap and the frozen Bering Strait. The journey, a testament to human endurance, now hangs in the balance.

A Journey's Genesis

The Goliath Expedition, as Karl Bushby formally named his endeavour, began on a November morning in 1998 at the planet's southernmost point in Punta Arenas, Chile. The mission was ambitious from the outset: to walk an unbroken path from that remote tip back to his front door in Hull, England. This was not merely a long walk; the undertaking was governed by a stringent set of rules.

The primary rule stipulated that Bushby could not travel using any vehicle with an engine for any part of the journey. If a body of water blocked his path, he would have to find the shortest possible crossing point and traverse it using the most basic means available. This philosophy has led him to swim over rivers and even the Caspian Sea, a feat that tested the limits of his physical and mental fortitude. The expedition aimed to be a continuous footprint, a single line drawn across the globe.

Navigating South America's Perils

The initial leg of the journey through the South American continent presented immediate and life-threatening challenges. The land's vast and varied landscapes were a formidable opponent, from the arid plains of Patagonia to the dense jungles of the Amazon basin. However, the most notorious section was the Darien Gap, a lawless and undeveloped stretch of swampland and forest that separates Panama and Colombia. This region is infamous for its dense vegetation, dangerous wildlife, and the presence of armed guerillas and drug traffickers. Bushby had to negotiate this treacherous territory, relying on his wits and the help of local guides to survive. He successfully dodged criminal gangs and navigated the unforgiving environment, an early indication of the resilience that would define his entire expedition. His experiences there established a pattern for the rest of his global trek, proving his capacity to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

The Long Road North

After conquering South America, Karl Bushby's path led him north through the nations of Central America and into Mexico. Each country presented its own unique set of cultural experiences and logistical hurdles. He walked through bustling cities and remote villages, witnessing firsthand the diversity of life across the Americas. The journey through the United States was a monumental undertaking in itself, a coast-to-coast trek that covered thousands of miles. He crossed vast deserts, traversed the Rocky Mountains, and walked through the sprawling plains of the Midwest. This section of his walk brought him into contact with a wide spectrum of American society, from solitary ranchers to the inhabitants of major metropolitan areas. Continuing into Canada, he faced the harsh realities of its northern climate, preparing himself for the next great challenge of his journey: the icy expanse separating continents.

The Ice Bridge of the Bering Strait

His traversal of the Bering Strait from Alaska to Russia stands as one of the most remarkable achievements of the Goliath Expedition. This was not a simple walk over the expanse of sea ice; it was a meticulously planned and highly dangerous undertaking. In March 2006, after years of preparation, Bushby and his American companion, Dimitri Kieffer, departed from Little Diomede, Alaska. They walked across the shifting ice, facing extreme temperatures, powerful currents, and the constant threat of polar bears. The 14-day, 90-mile journey was a brutal test of survival skills. Upon reaching Uelen in Chukotka, Russia, their relief was short-lived. Russian authorities promptly detained them for visa violations. This led to a prolonged and frustrating period of uncertainty, as Bushby was banned from re-entering Russia for five years, effectively putting his global walk on hold and creating a significant new obstacle.

The Russian Impasse

The five-year ban imposed by Russian authorities was a devastating blow to the momentum of the expedition. Karl Bushby found himself in a state of limbo, unable to continue his continuous path eastward. This period forced him to return to the United Kingdom and then to Mexico, where he worked to raise funds and awareness for his mission while navigating a complex diplomatic and bureaucratic battle. He made repeated appeals to the Russian government, seeking to have the ban overturned. The situation highlighted the immense political challenges inherent in such a global undertaking. Borders and visas became obstacles as formidable as any mountain range or desert. Finally, after years of persistence and with the help of supporters and diplomatic channels, Russia granted him a special visa, allowing him to return to the exact point where he had been stopped and resume his eastward trek across the vast Siberian wilderness.

Trekking Across Siberia

Returning to Russia allowed Karl Bushby to begin one of the longest and most isolating sections of his entire journey: the walk across Siberia. This immense territory, known for its brutal winters and sparse population, tested his endurance in new ways. For years, he walked through a landscape of endless forests, frozen tundra, and remote settlements. He faced temperatures that plummeted far below freezing, requiring specialised equipment and an unyielding will to survive. The solitude was profound, with days passing between encounters with other people. Yet, he often found warmth and hospitality in the small communities he passed through, where locals were fascinated by his incredible journey. This leg of the expedition was a slow, methodical grind, covering thousands of miles one step at a time, moving him ever closer to Europe and the final stages of his walk.

The Caspian Sea Conquest

Before reaching Europe, another significant body of water stood in his path: the Caspian Sea. Adhering to the principles of his expedition, Karl Bushby sought the shortest possible crossing point. He determined this to be a segment of water measuring 186 miles (300km), a distance no one had ever attempted to swim before. In 2023, he undertook this monumental challenge. It was a gruelling and dangerous swim that took weeks to complete, supported by a small crew on a boat. He battled exhaustion, cold water, and the psychological challenge of being in open water for such an extended period. His successful crossing was a world-first, a remarkable feat of endurance that added another legendary chapter to his already incredible story. This accomplishment demonstrated that even after more than two decades on the road, his determination and physical capabilities remained undiminished as he prepared for the final push toward home.

A Long-Awaited Austrian Delivery

Amidst the grand challenges and epic distances, a simple promise made at the very beginning of the journey has remained with Karl Bushby. In Chile, nearly three decades ago, a physician handed him 50 dollars and a postcard with a heartfelt request: to personally deliver it for the physician's brother, who resides in the Austrian city of Vienna. Bushby has carried this postcard with him across continents, a tangible link to the start of his odyssey.

As he makes his way through Hungary and approaches the Austrian border, the fulfillment of this long-held promise is imminent. He intends to find the brother and hand-deliver the postcard, completing what will surely be the longest mail delivery route in history. This personal mission serves as a poignant reminder of the human connections and small acts of trust that have punctuated his solitary global trek, adding a layer of personal duty to his physical quest.

Image  Credit - by Billy69150 (voir les conditions d'utilisation / see licensing below), CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Psychological Toll of the Finish Line

The prospect of the conclusion of his 36,000-mile trek is not just a source of relief but also a cause for significant apprehension for Karl Bushby. He has openly described the thought as "positively scary." The walk has been his life's defining purpose for more than 26 years; it has shaped his identity and his daily existence. The transition back to a stationary, "normal" life presents a profound psychological challenge. He has spoken with other long-distance walkers who have confirmed that re-entering conventional society after years of nomadic life is an incredibly difficult process. The abrupt end to the constant forward motion, the daily challenges, and the clear sense of purpose can leave a significant void. To counter this, Bushby knows he will need a new mission, another goal to channel his energy into, to avoid the potential for a difficult and disorienting return.

A Reaffirmed Belief in People

Despite encountering dangers and hardships, Karl Bushby's long journey has overwhelmingly reinforced his conviction in the inherent goodness of people. He plans to share this positive message, especially with children, to counteract the often-negative portrayal of the world in the media. He wants to convey his message that the vast majority of people on Earth are decent and that kindness can be found in the most unexpected places.

This belief is not based on abstract hope but on countless personal experiences. He recounts being welcomed into the homes of strangers in numerous countries. One particularly vivid memory is from Peru, where a family living in a home constructed from cardboard, with very little to their name, insisted he share their modest meal of rice. This and many other acts of generosity from people with next to nothing have left an indelible mark, proving to him that a shared sense of humanity transcends culture, language, and economic status.

The Channel Tunnel Conundrum

Now, so close to the end, Karl Bushby faces a bureaucratic wall. The Channel Tunnel, operated by Getlink, is a marvel of modern engineering, but its strict safety protocols were not designed with a round-the-world walker in mind. His request is to use one of the maintenance passageways, a corridor that runs between the two main rail tunnels and is used for upkeep and emergency access. This would allow him to complete his journey on foot without violating his no-transport rule. The team assisting him has made numerous attempts to engage with the company to seek special permission, but their inquiries have gone unanswered. The silence from the tunnel operators is a source of immense frustration for Bushby and his supporters, who find it difficult to comprehend why a solution cannot be found for this unique and historic final leg.

Precedents and Possibilities

While a pedestrian journey through the Channel Tunnel is unprecedented for a member of the public, the service tunnel has been used by individuals before. In 2014, refugee Abdul Haroun walked through the tunnel from the French side before being arrested in Britain. The journey is physically possible, but security and safety are the primary concerns for the operators. There is no established procedure for such a request, placing it in a category of its own. Supporters hope that the unique nature of the Goliath Expedition and its inspirational story might persuade the company to make a one-time exception. The alternative, swimming the English Channel, is an option Bushby is seriously considering, though it presents its own significant dangers, including cold temperatures, strong tides, and the risk of hypothermia in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

A World Awaits the Final Chapter

People across the globe have followed Karl Bushby's journey for years through his blog, documentaries, and media coverage. He has inspired countless people with his perseverance and adventurous spirit. Now, as he stands on the cusp of completing his life's work, the final chapter remains unwritten. The standoff with the Channel Tunnel operators has added a dramatic and unforeseen climax to his story. Supporters from many nations have rallied behind him, launching petitions and social media campaigns to pressure Getlink into granting him passage. The situation has become a symbolic test of whether modern rules and regulations can accommodate a truly exceptional human endeavour. The world watches to see whether he will be granted a path through the tunnel or feel compelled to brave the cold waters of the Channel for one last, epic feat of endurance.

The Legacy of the Goliath Expedition

Regardless of how he crosses the final stretch of water, Karl Bushby's Goliath Expedition will be remembered as one of the great journeys of exploration of the modern era. It is a testament to the power of a single idea and the will to see it through against all odds. His journey has been more than just a physical challenge; it has been a deep dive into the global condition at the turn of the 21st century. He has walked through nations during times of peace and tension, witnessing firsthand the effects of political change, economic development, and cultural shifts. His story is a powerful reminder that the world, for all its complexities and dangers, is a place of profound beauty and human connection. He has shown that it is still possible to undertake a grand adventure, to step outside the bounds of ordinary life and achieve the extraordinary.

Awaiting a Decision in Hungary

Currently making his way toward Budapest, Karl Bushby continues his eastward walk, one step at a time, holding onto the hope that a positive resolution will be found. The uncertainty of his Channel crossing looms large, but it does not stop his daily progress. He remains philosophical, remembering how Russian officials, amidst global tensions, granted him passage. This experience fuels his hope that a way forward can be found with the Channel Tunnel authorities. For now, he focuses on the immediate task at hand: walking the remaining miles through mainland Europe. The coming weeks will be crucial as the group of people helping him continues its efforts to negotiate a passage. The final, and perhaps most frustrating, challenge of his 26-year journey awaits him on the coast of France.

The Contrast of Obstacles

Throughout his journey, Karl Bushby has faced obstacles that were raw and primal. He contended with the untamed forces of nature in the form of jungles, deserts, and frozen seas. He navigated human threats in lawless regions where survival depended on instinct and courage. These were tangible, immediate challenges. The impediment posed by the Channel Tunnel is of a different nature entirely. It is a product of the modern, regulated world—an obstacle of policy, liability, and corporate procedure. There is a stark irony in the fact that a man who has overcome the wildest parts of the planet could be thwarted by a risk assessment form. This final hurdle highlights the contrast between the world of raw adventure and the structured, safety-conscious society he is preparing to re-enter after more than two and a half decades away.

An Unwavering Determination

If the final answer from Getlink is no, Karl Bushby has made his intentions clear: he intends to swim. He acknowledges that the English Channel would be more frigid and hazardous than the Caspian, but it is a challenge he is willing to face to complete his mission according to his own rules. This unwavering determination has been the hallmark of his entire expedition. It is a mindset that has carried him through illness, injury, political turmoil, and profound loneliness. The prospect of one final, immense physical test does not deter him. For a man who has walked the equivalent of one and a half times around the Earth's equator, a 21-mile swim, however dangerous, is simply the last problem to be solved before he can finally take the steps onto English soil and walk the final miles home to Hull.

The Long Walk Home

The final stretch of the journey, should he successfully traverse the Channel, will be an emotional one. The walk from the coast of Kent to his front door in Hull would represent the culmination of a lifetime of effort. This would be a chance for the people of his home country to welcome him back and celebrate his incredible achievement. This last leg will be markedly different from the solitary miles he has walked through remote wildernesses. It is likely to be a public affair, with media and well-wishers joining him along the route. For Bushby, this would mark the final transition, a walk out of the nomadic life he has known for 26 years and back into the world of home, family, and familiarity. This would be the closing of a circle that began in Chile all those years ago.

Awaiting the Final Verdict

As Karl Bushby continues his approach to Western Europe, the question of the Channel crossing remains paramount. The decision made by Getlink and LeShuttle will not only determine the final logistics of his journey but will also send a message about the value placed on such extraordinary human endeavours. The Goliath Expedition has been a story of resilience, courage, and the kindness of strangers. It has been a quiet, persistent effort, undertaken far from the glare of constant media attention for much of its duration. Now, in its final moments, the spotlight is on. The world hopes that the final hurdle can be overcome not with another life-threatening feat of endurance, but with a simple act of accommodation, allowing a remarkable man to complete his historic walk with a final, triumphant stride onto his home soil.