Karl Bushby’s Unbroken Journey Around the World: A Tale of Perseverance and Adventure
For over two decades, British adventurer Karl Bushby has been on a quest to walk around the world with “unbroken footsteps.” This ambitious journey, known as the Goliath Expedition, began in 1998 and is still ongoing. With a planned route of 36,000 miles (58,000 km), Bushby’s mission is not just about physical endurance but also about proving that one person can traverse the globe without interruption.
The Early Life of Karl Bushby
Born on March 30, 1969, in Hull, England, Karl Bushby was destined for adventure from an early age. He attended a local comprehensive school and joined the British Army at the age of 16. His service with the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment lasted 11 years, during which he developed a strong sense of discipline and resilience. These qualities would later serve him well in his epic journey.
The Goliath Expedition: A Walk Around the World
Bushby’s Goliath Expedition is a monumental undertaking. Starting from Punta Arenas, Chile, and aiming to return to his home in Hull, England, the expedition is designed to be a continuous walk without any breaks. The initial plan was to complete the trek in eight years, but due to numerous challenges, it remains unfinished as of September 2025.
In the early stages of the expedition, Bushby traversed South, Central, and North America, covering over 17,000 miles by 2006. However, the journey was far from smooth. In 2006, Bushby and French adventurer Dimitri Kieffer faced significant obstacles when crossing the Bering Strait. They had to take a 14-day route across a frozen 150-mile section to cross the 58-mile-wide strait from Alaska to Siberia. Their journey was further complicated by Russian border authorities, who detained them for not entering Russia at the correct port of entry.
Despite these setbacks, Bushby continued his journey, facing visa issues, financial difficulties, and the harsh conditions of the tundra. The Russian government eventually granted him a visa, allowing him to continue his trek through Siberia. However, the journey was not without its challenges. In 2013, Russia banned Bushby from re-entering the country for five years, citing a border violation from the previous year.
Overcoming Obstacles
Bushby’s determination did not waver. He walked over 3,000 miles from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., to protest the ban. In 2014, the Russian government overturned the ban, granting him a letter of invitation. This allowed him to resume his journey, and in 2017, he crossed into Mongolia. From there, he continued his trek through Uzbekistan and Iran, although visa issues and the COVID-19 pandemic caused further delays.
In August 2024, Bushby embarked on a daring swim across the Caspian Sea from Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan, avoiding dangerous countries like Iran and Russia. The 179-mile swim took 31 days, with Bushby and his team swimming in two 3-hour sessions each day. This remarkable feat marked another milestone in his journey.
The Final Leg
As of June 2025, Bushby is in Armenia, waiting for a visa to enter Turkey. He hopes to continue his trek in August 2025, estimating that he will return home to Hull by 2026. On September 1, 2025, Bushby successfully crossed into Bulgaria, marking another step closer to his goal.
Karl Bushby’s Book: “Giant Steps”
In addition to his physical journey, Bushby has documented his experiences in a book titled “Giant Steps,” first published in 2005. The latest edition includes events up to March 2006, including his Bering Strait crossing. The book and the Bering Strait crossing also inspired a board game called “Ice Flow.”
The Broader Context: Visiting Every Country
While Bushby’s journey is unique, it is part of a broader trend of adventurers seeking to visit every country in the world. One such individual is Torbjørn Pedersen, a Danish adventurer who completed a flight-free journey around the world. Pedersen’s journey, which began in 2013, involved visiting 203 countries without flying, a feat that took nearly 10 years to complete.
Pedersen’s journey was not without its challenges. He faced visa issues, health problems, and personal sacrifices, including missing family events. Despite these obstacles, he completed his journey in 2023, becoming one of the few to achieve this feat.
The Growing Trend of Global Travelers
The concept of visiting every country has gained popularity in recent years, with more people attempting to complete this challenge. According to data from NomadMania, as of April 10, 2025, there are approximately 462 people who have claimed to have visited every country. This number includes individuals from various nationalities, ages, and backgrounds.
The majority of these travelers are from developed countries, with the United States leading the list. However, the trend is changing, with more women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds attempting to complete the challenge.
The Future of Global Travel
As the world becomes more interconnected, the barriers to travel are diminishing. However, challenges such as visa restrictions, political instability, and health concerns continue to pose obstacles for travelers. Despite these challenges, the spirit of adventure and the desire to explore the world remain strong.
Karl Bushby’s journey is a testament to human perseverance and the power of determination. His story inspires others to pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem. As he continues his journey around the world, Bushby serves as a reminder that with courage and resolve, even the most impossible goals can be achieved.
