Karl Bushby reached British soil on October 5, 2026, at Shakespeare Beach near Dover, successfully completing his crossing of the English Channel. This point marked the culmination of his 28-year journey around the world.
Nine months ago, the author wrote about Karl Bushby, a former parachutist who was traversing the globe guided by two strict rules: not using transport for forward progress and not returning home except on foot.
Bushby's first message on TikTok was a Stitch with Dylan Page titled 'Welcome to my TikTok!', which presented 'The Longest Walk in History!' in a TikTok format covering the 27-year trek.
Four days later, he posted a simple introduction, 'Hi, I'm Karl,' introducing the audience to the man who arrived on the social media platform after decades of wandering.
The initial sequence of his account sets the tone for the entire narrative: it includes a countdown to Turkey, memories of the first day, an explanation of crossing the Caspian Sea, a video explaining why Bushby says 'we,' and early hints at the final stage.
Bushby recalls his first day in November 1998, saying: 'It was a bit overwhelming. A bit exciting.'
The Caspian Sea and the Dardanelles Passage
Instead of keeping a strictly chronological diary, Bushby's account jumps through time. While traveling through Turkey and Europe, the topic of the Dardanelles Passage—an impassable region between Colombia and Panama, which he crossed earlier in the expedition—was raised again in several videos.
The account also details his crossing of the Caspian Sea. Although swimming contradicts the typical idea of a walking expedition, Bushby had to find a physical solution that would allow him to adhere to his strict rule against using transport for forward movement.
Turkey, Romania, and Return to Europe
By the end of July 2025, Bushby was approaching Turkey. His posts showed the route in stages: 'Twelve Days to Turkey,' 'Final Stretch,' 'Back to Turkey,' 'Just a Few Days to Europe,' and then 'Back to Europe!'
However, the return to Europe did not result in a celebration of victory. Instead, his content documented daily routines: answering passport questions, staying in Romania for seven days, finding food, accepting local hospitality, and the need to 'get back on his feet.'
The passport video highlights the administrative difficulties of the expedition. A person can physically cross continents, but they still have to navigate rigid systems of visas, identification documents, and border control.
European Route
Starting in February 2026, the focus of his posts shifted to Hungary, Austria, and Germany. Bushby filmed updates in the area of Győr, Vienna, Linz, and Regensburg, often following the Danube River.
In several consecutive posts, adventure companion Angela Maxwell joined him on the road.
The English Channel
The crossing of the English Channel appeared later in Bushby's feed; a post tagged '#channeltunnel' was placed next to an update tagged '#channelswim'. Before the swim, Bushby expressed doubts about obtaining permission.
He noted: 'We thought we got permission to swim from the French coast. It turned out that wasn't the case.'
The Final Leg
The swim across the English Channel created the most memorable image: Bushby stepping onto an English beach after nearly 28 years away. Nevertheless, the 'Coliatus Expedition' still requires him to keep moving. When he landed, there were about 400 km remaining between Dover and Hull.
For a journey measured in continents and decades, this is a small final stretch. It is the part of the journey that will finally bring Bushby to his son. This boy is now 36 years old, is himself a father, and is still waiting.