Karl Bushby is getting close to finishing his 27-year walk around the world. He only has about 2,000 miles left before he gets back to the UK. This amazing trip started back in 1998 when Bushby left Chile, and honestly, his commitment makes almost every social media challenge today look pretty easy.
We see people trying crazy things online all the time now. There’s the Hardest Geezer running across Africa or that guy trying to drink 2,000 pints in 200 days. Those are hard, but Bushby’s walk makes them look like an easy Sunday stroll. This British explorer is now 56 years old and has walked over 30,000 miles so far. He makes Forrest Gump’s famous run across America look like a quick jog around the block.
What makes Bushby’s success so amazing is how long he’s stuck with this goal. He made two rules for himself when he started. According to Lad Bible, he wouldn’t use any mechanical transport, and he wouldn’t go home until he got back to the UK completely on foot. He was so serious about it that he even told his family he wouldn’t come home for a funeral. That’s real dedication right there.
Walking through history’s biggest moments
Over the last three decades, Bushby has walked through some of the biggest world events in recent history. He saw the millennium celebrations happen, he kept walking after the 9/11 attacks, and he pushed through the whole coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic alone would have made most people jump on the first flight home, but Bushby just kept going.
The September 11 attacks remain one of the most defining moments in modern history, and the tragedy continues to spark debates today. Some have even accused leaders of whitewashing foreign governments’ 9/11 connections, while others have criticized politicians for mocking emotional 9/11 survivor stories. But Bushby simply kept walking through it all.
His route started in Chile, went up through the Americas, across to Russia, then through Asia, and now he’s heading back to the UK. This walk hasn’t been easy at all, and he’s faced some really scary problems. He’s walked through a war zone, almost got attacked by a polar bear, and had to swim 186 miles in just one month last year to cross the Caspian Sea. That swimming part sounds terrible. I think I’ll stick to using a ferry, thanks.
It’s really impressive that he started this challenge when modern technology didn’t exist like it does now. When he left in 1998, he didn’t have Google Maps or a smartphone to help him find his way. He didn’t buy his first touchscreen device until 2013. For his younger followers on TikTok, where he has over 350,000 fans watching his updates, walking around the world without a phone probably sounds impossible.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Brit is finally getting close to coming home. He could be back enjoying a nice cup of tea before the end of next year. Though he might have to swim the English Channel to follow his rule about no mechanical transport. This writer thinks he won’t be too happy when he sees how expensive everything is in the UK compared to the rest of the world these days.
Talking to the media about his long journey, Bushby shared a really positive view. He said, “I’ve found nothing but the best in those 27 years, which has just been remarkable.” He also gave some great advice for anyone wanting to make a big change in their life. Bushby said, “Don’t be afraid, get off the couch, get out of bed, make it happen. That first step will open up a world of possibilities and opportunities, so don’t be afraid.” That’s a great message from a guy who literally walked across the planet.
Published: Nov 24, 2025 05:45 pm