Karl Bushby Seeks Permission to Walk Through Channel Tunnel as MPs Urge French Authorities to Grant Exception

British adventurer Karl Bushby, who has walked 36,000 miles from Patagonia to his hometown in Hull, England, is seeking permission from French authorities to traverse the Channel Tunnel to complete his journey home, according to multiple reports. The 56-year-old former Paratrooper, who began his trek in 1998, has reached the German-Belgian border and is now less than 500 miles from his destination, but requires access to the 30-mile-long service tunnel under the English Channel, which is currently restricted to authorized personnel only.

What is Karl Bushby’s Journey?

Bushby’s journey, which began as a “bet in a bar” in 1998, has taken him across 25 countries, including treks through the Bering Strait, the Caspian Sea, and the Arctic. He has faced numerous challenges, including mechanical failures with his “golf cart” luggage carrier, “The Beast,” and encounters with Russian secret service agents. According to his official website, he has documented his travels through photographs and journals, with support from his family and sponsors like Westwood Productions.

“It’s been radio silence for a while from the tunnel,” Bushby said in a recent interview, adding that he and his father have been attempting to secure a response from Getlink, the company that operates the Channel Tunnel. “If we can’t get through, I’ll have to swim the 21 miles across the Channel.”

Why Are MPs Urging France to Help?

Conservative MP Sir David Davis and Liberal Democrat MP Cam Thomas have publicly called on the French government to grant Bushby an exception, citing his military service and the historical ties between the UK and France. Davis, a former member of the 21st Special Air Service Regiment, described the bureaucratic hurdles as “absurd,” emphasizing that Bushby’s 27-year journey is a “triumph of human endurance.”

Thomas, a former Royal Air Force Flight Lieutenant, referenced the 1944 liberation of France by the British 6th Airborne Division, stating, “I will write to the French Ambassador to request our allies facilitate this veteran’s return to his mum.” Both MPs have not yet received a formal response from French authorities.

What Are the Legal Risks for Bushby?

Walking through the Channel Tunnel without authorization is illegal and could result in a prison sentence, according to Getlink’s official guidelines. The service tunnel, used for maintenance and emergency access, is strictly off-limits to the public. In 2016, two Iranian men were jailed for crossing the tunnel, while a Sudanese man was fined for obstruction but later released due to time served.

Getlink has not issued a public statement on Bushby’s request, though the company has previously allowed limited access for charity events. In 1994, Olympic decathlete Daley Thompson led over 100 people through the tunnel to raise funds for charity, according to historical records.

What Are Bushby’s Next Steps?

If denied access, Bushby plans to swim the English Channel, a feat he has attempted before. In 2023, he swam 186 miles across the Caspian Sea over 31 days. He will spend the summer in Mexico before resuming his journey in September. His family and sponsors have remained supportive throughout the ordeal, with his father, Keith, actively involved in securing communication with tunnel authorities.

“It’s very difficult to find good fish and chips in the world,” Bushby joked when asked what he misses most about the UK. “But I’m focused on finishing this walk, no matter the obstacles.”

As of July 2025, no official response has been received from French authorities or Getlink. The outcome of Bushby’s request could set a precedent for future adventurers seeking access to restricted infrastructure.