He left 28 years ago, now after 36,000 miles Karl Bushby is almost home
Former paratrooper Karl Bushby is nearing the end of a 28-year, 36,000-mile journey to walk home to Hull. Having crossed four continents and faced numerous physical challenges, he is now preparing for the final leg of his trek.
Why it matters
This human-interest story highlights extreme endurance and the personal sacrifices involved in long-term global exploration.
Image source, Kevin Shoesmith/BBC Image caption, Karl Bushby bears down on Hull, with his heavy duty gear trolley "The Beast"
With his journey almost complete, Karl Bushby reflects on adventures that have taken him across four continents, as well as strained relationships and how life as he knows it is about to change dramatically.
Back in 1998, the former paratrooper, then aged 29, set off from Punta Arenas, Chile, to walk an unbroken path to his home city of Hull, without breaking two self-imposed rules: not to return to the UK until he had completed his journey, and not to use transport to advance.
Now 57, he is embarking on his final few miles having hacked his way through the jungles of the Darién Gap , crossed the frozen Bering Strait and, just a few weeks ago, swum the English Channel .
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