Explorer Will Swim English Channel to Finish 36,000-Mile Trek
After denied tunnel access, Karl Bushby will attempt a final 21-mile swim to reach his destination in England.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Hiking
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Explorer Karl Bushby will attempt to swim 21 miles across the English Channel in September 2026 to conclude a 36,000-mile journey that began in 1998. This final leg follows the denial of pedestrian access through the Eurotunnel service tunnel earlier this summer.
Why it matters
The route modification highlights the necessity of alternative planning when infrastructure constraints like tunnel safety protocols prevent standard pedestrian transit. It marks the culmination of a 28-year expedition requiring significant endurance and navigation.
Karl Bushby has logged 36,000 miles over 28 years and must now complete a 21-mile crossing of the English Channel to finalize his trek. The success of this final phase remains contingent on environmental conditions, including water temperatures between 17-19°C.
The players
Karl Bushby
An explorer who has spent 28 years on a continuous trek covering four continents.
Eurotunnel
The operator of the tunnel connecting France and England that maintains strict safety regulations for transit.
The details
Bushby secured approval from French authorities for an open-water swim after being barred from the 4.8-meter wide service tunnel due to operator safety concerns. He will navigate the English Channel to arrive in England, aiming to reunite with family in Hull. The swim represents the final obstacle for an explorer who has traversed four continents since 1998.
Timeline
November 1998: Karl Bushby began his walk in Punta Arenas, Chile.
June 2026: Eurotunnel refused Bushby access to the service tunnel.
September 2026: French authorities granted approval for the swim.
November 2026: Projected completion of the journey.
Health Landscape
Human-powered global expeditions often face friction from evolving international infrastructure and security mandates. This crossing underscores the physical demands of long-term endurance travel in the face of rigid jurisdictional and safety requirements.
For readers managing endurance-related physical demands, tracking recovery and environmental conditions like water temperature is vital for safety. Before engaging in strenuous, long-term physical challenges, it is worth discussing your cardiovascular health with a doctor.
The takeaway
The successful conclusion of a multi-decade trek underscores the importance of endurance training and adaptive planning when faced with operational obstacles. Readers interested in high-intensity trekking should focus on consistent physical conditioning and consult a physician before attempting long-distance feats.
What happens next
Bushby is expected to complete his final 21-mile swim and conclude his journey by November 2026.
Further reading
For more on long-distance trekking and outdoor endurance, see our coverage of Hiking.
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