UPDATE: Hull adventurer Karl Bushby is nearing the end of his incredible 27-year journey around the globe and has revealed the two most terrifying locations he encountered during his trek. As of November 6, 2023, Bushby, a former paratrooper, is approaching Budapest, bringing him closer to his hometown of Hull after nearly three decades on the move.
Karl Bushby, now 56 years old, began his ambitious expedition in Chile in November 1998. His goal? To become the first person to complete a continuous round-the-world trek spanning an astonishing 36,000 miles. Over the years, he has faced numerous dangers, including traversing the notorious Darién Gap and crossing the Bering Strait.
Bushby described the Darién Gap—a perilous 60-mile corridor between Panama and Colombia—as a “war zone” filled with criminals, treacherous jungles, and extreme weather. He stated, “And then there’s a whole layer above that of cartels and drug plantations, and then really, really tough jungle.” This route is infamous for its sweltering temperatures, torrential downpours, and the threat of human trafficking and violent crime.
Another harrowing experience came during his trek across the Bering Strait, where Bushby encountered a polar bear. He explained, “You’re in a very serious world that will kill you in 20 minutes if you mess up.” Navigating this challenging terrain between Alaska and Russia, Bushby and his companion, Dimitri Kieffer, faced arrest by Russian authorities for illegal entry after completing the crossing.
As he approaches the finish line of his epic walk in 2026, Bushby acknowledges the emotional weight of returning home. He admits that coming back to a “very strange place” like Hull after such an extended journey will be a “positively scary” prospect. “I’ve spoken with a number of long-distance walkers, some walking five years or more, and they have told me it’s very difficult returning to normal society,” he stated.
Despite the dangers he faced, Bushby maintains a positive outlook on humanity, asserting that “99.99% of the world is good” and challenging the notion that the world is inherently frightening.
Authorities continue to monitor Bushby’s journey as he makes his way to Hull, where he plans to integrate back into society while seeking new adventures. The world eagerly awaits the conclusion of this remarkable expedition and what new challenges Bushby will take on next.
