British adventurer Karl Bushby returns home after 28 years walking around the world

British adventurer Karl Bushby, 57, returned to his hometown of Hull, England, on November 2, 2026, after completing a 28-year expedition that began at the southern tip of South America. During the journey, he traveled through approximately 30 countries and took an estimated 75 million steps.

The former paratrooper began his journey on November 1, 1998, in Punta Arenas, Chile, carrying about £500 and a trailer with his equipment. He initially expected the expedition to take 12 years. His rules were clear: he would not use transportation to advance along his route, and he would not return home until he had completed the journey on foot.

Among the most remarkable challenges was crossing the Darién Gap between Colombia and Panama in 2001. To reduce the risk of kidnapping, Bushby reportedly dyed his hair, painted his skin and wore ragged clothing. In 2006, he crossed the frozen waters between Alaska and Russia alongside fellow adventurer Dimitri Kieffer. Both were detained by Russian authorities for entering the country outside an official border crossing.

Other obstacles forced him to change his plans. In 2024, after his intended land route became impossible, Bushby swam 288 kilometers across the Caspian Sea with Angela Maxwell, resting between stages on support boats. He also swam across the English Channel after being denied permission to walk through the Channel Tunnel’s service passage. He reached Shakespeare Beach near Dover on October 5, 2026.

During his absence, his son Adam went from being eight years old to 36 and became a father. Bushby had only spoken to his 12-year-old granddaughter through video calls and had not yet met her in person.

“There were moments in my life when you just need your dad,” Adam told the Yorkshire Post, reflecting on the years his father spent away.

His mother, Angela, followed the expedition for nearly three decades, collecting newspaper clippings and keeping track of his progress through long periods without news. To welcome him home, she had a humorous question ready: “And do you think this is an acceptable time to come home, Karl?”