Former British paratrooper Karl Bushby reached British soil after crossing the English Channel from France on October 5, 2026. This completed a major stage of his 28-year Goliath Expedition. The 57-year-old adventurer arrived at Shakespeare Beach just south of Dover after traveling about 31,000 miles without motorized transport to advance his global route.
Bushby began his monumental trek from Punta Arenas, Chile, on November 1, 1998. He adhered to two strict self-imposed rules: never use transport to advance forward, and never return home until the entire journey is complete. His final destination is his childhood home in Hull, where he is expected to arrive by early November.
Overcoming Obstacles on the Goliath Expedition
The English Channel crossing required Bushby to swim for approximately 20 hours spread across three days. HM Coastguard stated that it liaised with French authorities and maritime sector partners to ensure all safety protocols were met during the crossing. Bushby’s team opted not to publicize the exact timing of the swim in advance for security and logistical reasons.
The channel swim became necessary after Channel Tunnel bosses vetoed Bushby’s request in June to walk through a service tunnel due to safety and maintenance concerns. For years, French authorities have largely only permitted cross-channel swims departing from the UK rather than from France. This added regulatory hurdles to an already complex endeavor.
Upon making landfall, Bushby was welcomed by a small gathering of family and friends. These included his father, Keith Bushby-a former SAS soldier-and acclaimed filmmaker Werner Herzog. Herzog is currently directing a feature-length documentary about the trek titled Walk of Life.
A 28-Year Journey Across the Globe
Since setting out from South America nearly three decades ago, Bushby’s Goliath Expedition has spanned 29 countries across four continents. Key milestones along the way include:
- Walking the entire length of South America.
- Traversing the notoriously dangerous Darién Gap connecting South and Central America.
- Continuing north through North America to Alaska.
- Crossing the frozen Bering Strait on foot and swimming where necessary to enter Russia in 2006.
- Traversing Siberia and Asia, followed by a grueling 31-day swim across the Caspian Sea.
The expedition has faced numerous setbacks over the decades. These challenges include strict visa restrictions, the 2008 financial crash which cost Bushby vital sponsors, the COVID-19 pandemic, and shifting geopolitical tensions.
The Final Trek to Hull
Despite stepping onto UK soil, Bushby’s mission is not yet finished. He faces a final walk of approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles) north to reach his mother’s house in Hull, where he originally departed 28 years ago.
His son, Adam Bushby, 36, noted that the family is preparing for the end of the historic journey. Adam and his grandmother plan to wait outside the family home in Hull as the explorer completes the very last leg of his 31,000-mile odyssey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Karl Bushby’s Expedition
Who is Karl Bushby?
Karl Bushby is a 57-year-old British adventurer and former Army paratrooper who embarked on a round-the-world walking expedition known as the Goliath Expedition in November 1998.
What are the rules of the Goliath Expedition?
Bushby follows two strict self-imposed rules: he cannot use any form of motorized transport to advance his geographical progress, and he cannot return home to the United Kingdom until the entire continuous journey is finished.
How long did the English Channel swim take?
Bushby swam for approximately 20 hours over a period of three days, making landfall at Shakespeare Beach near Dover on October 5, 2026.
Why did Bushby swim the English Channel instead of using the Eurotunnel?
Bushby formally requested permission to walk through the Channel Tunnel service passage. However, tunnel operators vetoed the request in June 2026 due to safety and maintenance regulations, leaving him with swimming as his only viable option.
What distance has Karl Bushby covered in total?
To date, Bushby has covered more than 30,000 miles (48,000 kilometers) on foot and through open-water swims across 29 countries.
When will the Goliath Expedition officially end?
The expedition is set to conclude in early November 2026 when Bushby completes the final 400-kilometer walk from Dover to his mother’s home in Hull.
