Man Nears Finish of 27-Year Mission to Walk Around the Entire World

A Journey That Began With a Bold Dream

When Karl Bushby first took his first step from Chile, he was only 29 years old and full of determination. His goal was huge: to walk around the world without using any transport. Now, after 27 years on the road, he is preparing for the final stretch of his journey.

He has just under 2,000 miles left before he reaches his hometown of Hull, where he plans to arrive in September 2026.

Crossing Continents and Facing Extreme Challenges

Bushby has walked across the Americas and Asia, pushing through deserts, mountains and frozen landscapes. One of his most dangerous challenges was swimming 186 miles across the Caspian Sea, a journey that took him 31 days. He also crossed the Bering Strait, where he fought off ice blocks and even polar bears.

According to the video, his Caspian Sea swim is considered one of the toughest endurance achievements.

Waiting in Mexico for a Visa Decision

At the moment, Bushby is in Mexico, waiting for a visa that will allow him to continue his walk through Turkey and into Europe. He said the delay forced him to “step aside” from his mission for a while. Once approved, he hopes to restart the journey in August and continue walking all the way into Europe.

Years of Delays, Crises, and Unexpected Obstacles

Throughout his 36,000-mile trek, Bushby has faced many problems. He described visa complications, financial struggles, and the global pandemic as major barriers. But he also said he never considered changing his route.

In the video , his project — called the Goliath Expedition — has lasted longer than he ever imagined.

Public reaction is mixed. Many people have a lot of questions for him.

Thinking About Life After the Expedition

Bushby said the idea of returning home after so long feels “very strange.” He has been away for most of his adult life, and he believes he will need time to get used to normal life again.

He also said reuniting with his family will involve “getting to know each other again” after nearly three decades on the move.

A Final Year Before Stepping Back Into Home Soil

If everything goes as planned, Bushby expects to enter Europe soon and finish his walk next year. After more than 27 years of crossing borders, swimming oceans, and surviving extreme environments, he will soon take his final steps back into Hull—ending one of the world’s longest and most remarkable journeys.

Wtch the video here:

@cbsnews

For the last 27 years, Karl Bushby (@Karl Bushby) has been walking around the world, clocking more 30,000 miles from South America up to the United States, across Russia and through Europe. Now, he’s only 2,000 miles away from his hometown of Hull, England. Through illness, wars, a polar bear in the Arctic, finding and losing love twice, Bushby told CBS News’ @Ramy that his quest was about living life “to the fullest where I can.” “Don’t be afraid,” he said on what he’s learned about the experience. “A bit of self-confidence will take a long way. Get off the couch. Get out of bed. Make it happen.”

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