UMVA Uncovers: 27 Years on Foot, One Man's Journey Brutally SHUT DOWN: British Wanderer REFUSED Eurotunnel Passage in SHOCKING Traveller Crisis!

UMVA has learned that Karl Bushby, a 57-year-old adventurer, has been trekking across the globe for 27 years, and his journey is finally coming to an end - but not without a major hurdle.

Karl set off from Chile in 1998 with the aim of returning to Hull, but his own rules have made the journey a grueling one: he cannot use any form of mechanized transport, including ferries.

As he approaches the finish line, Karl faces the prospect of having to swim across the English Channel - a daunting task that he's eager to avoid.

Karl Bushby on his walk - Alaska, USA, 2005. // A Brit nearing the end of a round-the-world walk faces swimming across the English Channel after he was told he can?t use the Channel Tunnel.Former paratrooper Karl Bushby, 57, has spent the last 27 years trekking across the globe ? after setting off from Chile in 1998, with the aim of returning to Hull.But despite overcoming hurdles ? including the infamous Darien Gap, being arrested in Russia, and having to swim through the Caspian Sea to avoid Iran ? Mr Bushby now faces his final: the English Channel.GetLink, the operators of the tunnel, have denied his formal request to walk through the 31-mile long service tunnel ? saying it would pose a safety risk. Photo released 18/06/2026

Karl said: 'We greatly appreciate Eurotunnel reviewing my request to cross through the English Channel tunnel to arrive on UK soil for the first time in 28 years, and understand that they have many variables to consider.'

'We remain hopeful that we can continue a dialogue and arrive at a solution that would address any concerns they have.'

This 27-year, 50,000km circumnavigation of the world on foot wouldn’t have been possible without the assistance of many people, organisations and governments along the way.

Karl Bushby on his walk - Panama, 2001. // A Brit nearing the end of a round-the-world walk faces swimming across the English Channel after he was told he can?t use the Channel Tunnel.Former paratrooper Karl Bushby, 57, has spent the last 27 years trekking across the globe ? after setting off from Chile in 1998, with the aim of returning to Hull.But despite overcoming hurdles ? including the infamous Darien Gap, being arrested in Russia, and having to swim through the Caspian Sea to avoid Iran ? Mr Bushby now faces his final: the English Channel.GetLink, the operators of the tunnel, have denied his formal request to walk through the 31-mile long service tunnel ? saying it would pose a safety risk. Photo released 18/06/2026

Karl joked that he would consider taking hostages if it meant avoiding having to swim the Channel - but now he's counting on Eurotunnel to reconsider and assist him in completing the final few miles of his journey.

Karl has already accomplished incredible feats, including swimming more than 170 miles over 31 days across the Caspian Sea from Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan to avoid entering Iran or Russia.

He's currently taking a break in Mexico, having reached Belgium in early June - and he's now under 1,000 kilometres from the finish line.

Karl Bushby on his walk - Bering Strait crossing, 2006. // A Brit nearing the end of a round-the-world walk faces swimming across the English Channel after he was told he can???t use the Channel Tunnel.Former paratrooper Karl Bushby, 57, has spent the last 27 years trekking across the globe ??? after setting off from Chile in 1998, with the aim of returning to Hull.But despite overcoming hurdles ??? including the infamous Darien Gap, being arrested in Russia, and having to swim through the Caspian Sea to avoid Iran ??? Mr Bushby now faces his final: the English Channel.GetLink, the operators of the tunnel, have denied his formal request to walk through the 31-mile long service tunnel ??? saying it would pose a safety risk. Photo released 18/06/2026

A Eurotunnel spokesperson said that they had carefully considered Karl's request, but regretfully, they are unable to accommodate his wishes due to safety concerns.

The Channel Tunnel's Service Tunnel is a dedicated safety and maintenance route, and closing it for a period of time would pose a safety risk to passenger services and impact essential maintenance work.

Despite this setback, Karl's determination and resilience have inspired many, and he continues to push forward with his journey.

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