‘A big moment’: Karl Bushby reaches Europe on epic walk from South America

HEADING HOME: Karl Bushby on the July 15 Martyrs Bridge in Istanbul

EXCLUSIVE

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

Intrepid adventurer Karl Bushby has stepped foot on his home continent of Europe for the first time in 26 years as he celebrates a “big step” on his epic walk across the globe.

Karl, 55, crossed the mighty Bosphorus in Turkey, which marks the continental boundary between Asia and Europe, on May 3. He flew out of Istanbul that night to comply with visa restrictions, which mean he cannot resume his walk in Turkey for 90 days.

The former paratrooper began his adventure in Punta Arenas in Chile on November 1, 1998, with the single aim of walking home to Hull without using any form of transport.

Karl needed permission from the Turkish Government to cross the July 15 Martyrs’ Bridge in Istanbul as it is usually closed to pedestrians, and also had to liaise with the bridge manager before setting off. He was met by Turkish media and well-wishers on completing the crossing and has now flown the Mexico.

His dad Keith told The Hull Story: “Karl knew he was running out of time in Turkey and needed permission to cross the bridge. After getting across he went straight to the airport and flew out as he had to leave that evening – it was that tight.

“It was really good in Turkey, he’s got lots of fans there and had no trouble. The big issue will be the roads in Europe – he can’t go on the main roads, he’ll have to go on the side roads and they won’t be expecting Karl to be there.”

Although it will be months before Karl can pick up from where he left off in Istanbul, he is aware of the significant milestone he has passed in reaching Europe.

Keith said: “He realises what a big step it is but he’s got so many other things to think about. The first thing he said on his email was ‘I’m here now, I’ve finally got there’. It’s a big moment. Getting across that bridge was special, there’s no doubt about that.”

Karl, who is attempting the longest continuous walk in history, initially thought it might take him 12 years but is now approaching his 27th year on the road.