British adventurer Karl Bushby has completed an epic 28-year global expedition, returning to his childhood home of Hull after walking an unbroken path across four continents. Setting off from Chile in November 1998, Bushby's mammoth journey covered more than 31,000 miles (58,000 km) without using transport to advance or returning to the UK until the trek was finished.
Over nearly three decades, the self-funded expedition faced numerous hurdles, including visa restrictions, the 2008 financial crash, the COVID-19 pandemic, and changing geopolitics. Bushby's route included navigating the dangerous Darién Gap in South America, walking across the Bering Strait from North America to Russia in 2006, traversing Siberia and Asia, swimming across the Caspian Sea in 2024, and completing a 20-hour swim across the English Channel from France to Dover in October.
Family, friends, and crowds of supporters gathered in Queen Victoria Square in Hull to welcome him home following his crossing of the Humber Bridge. Prime Minister Andy Burnham sent a letter of congratulations praising his determination and self-belief, which was read to the crowds by Hull East MP Karl Turner. Bushby also attended a civic reception hosted by Hull's Lord Mayor, Maria Coward, before heading toward his mother's house to conclude the historic trek.
