British adventurer Karl Bushby completes 28-year global trek and returns to Hull
After walking 36,000 miles across 29 countries over 28 years, former paratrooper Karl Bushby arrived back in his hometown of Hull, where he was welcomed by family and local officials.
Karl Bushby, a former British paratrooper, finished a 28-year walk that covered roughly 36,000 miles and 29 countries, arriving in Hull on Monday. He crossed the Bering Strait, the Darién Gap and other remote regions without using any form of transport to advance his progress. Bushby completed the journey on foot from Punta Arenas in Chile to his hometown, arriving on the same calendar date he began the expedition in 1998.
The arrival was marked by a crowd of well-wishers in Queen Victoria Square, where Bushby expressed surprise at the reception. > "There has never been a welcome home quite like this, I’m sure," he said. He also noted the logistical challenges of navigating through the gathering, apologising to onlookers as he moved with his loaded trolley.
Bushby was reunited with his mother, Angela, at his childhood home, and later met his son and a granddaughter he had not previously met. He thanked the city for the support he received during the trek. > "It took a world to get me here," he said, adding that the effort involved many individuals and organisations.
Labour MP Karl Turner read a statement from the regional leader, Andy Burnham, who described the journey as "truly remarkable" and highlighted the determination required to complete it. The event also featured a brief appearance by filmmaker Werner Herzog, who is producing a documentary about Bushby's expedition.
Bushby indicated he plans to remain in the area, concluding his remarks with a light-hearted comment about future visits.