Giant Steps: The Remarkable Story of the Goliath Expedition From Punta Arenas to Russia

by Karl Bushby

In Punta Arenas, Chile, in November 1998, Karl Bushby set out on one of the most remarkable journeys of modern times. His plan is as simple as it is extraordinary—to walk up the Americas, across the Bering Strait, through Asia, Russia, and Europe, back through the Channel Tunnel and returning to Britain in 2011. It is a journey of remarkable endurance—20 miles a day, 3,000 miles a year, 36,000 miles in total. By the time Karl returns home, he will have crossed four continents, 25 countries, a frozen sea, six deserts, and seven mountain ranges. But more than that, unlike other similar expeditions, Karl is attempting it no huge support teams, no large sponsorship deals, this is the inspiring true story of a man facing remarkable odds—and winning.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Memoir, Adventure

432 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 1998 British ex-paratrooper Karl Bushby undertook the longest world walking trip possible. He began at the tip of the Pan-American highway in Punta Ares, Chile with plans to walk through the Americas and cross the Bering Strait. From there he planned to cross Asia through Russia, continue across Europe, and walk through the Channel Tunnel to return to Britain. He planned this feat as a solo journey, beginning with few sponsors and little back up. He originally pulled a modified golf cart with his gear. He hoped to complete his entire trip by 2011.

There were two parts of the book that I thought the most interesting. The first was crossing the Darien Gap, the jungle between the border of Panama and Columbia, which the book describes as ”having swallowed explorers alive for centuries, today guerillas, drug-runners, poachers and jaguars rule this vast no-man’s land” p 150

The second of course, was the crossing of the Bering Strait which he chose to do in the winter to minimize the amount of open water. In this part of the expedition he was joined by French adventurer Dimitri Kieffer.

However, I was somewhat disappointed by his descriptions of the lands he traveled through – mostly on roads- and the peoples he met. This is not a travelogue with vivid accounts but his daily diary entries consisting mostly of miles traveled, things he ate and individuals he met who gave him a helping hand. He managed quite a bit of his trip by relying on his charm (and seemed to be very proud of his attractiveness to women).

While this book ends after his crossing of the Bering Strait, his continuing expedition was slowed trying to get permission to cross through Russia which eventually he was able to do. He is now stalled out at the Iranian border as he has not yet been granted permission to continue through that country.

[my.bookshelf.87 · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1998, Hull-born Karl Bushby left behind his friends and family to embark on an epic solo walking challenge. His aim was to circumnavigate as much of the world as possible on foot. The use of planes, boats or other vehicles was not allowed. This book focuses on the section of the journey from South America to Russia. It's written in diary format, which I found made it easy to read and follow.

It was fascinating to read about his encounters with people from different cultures and of his exploits in places which weren't always so safe and welcoming.

I was surprised at how far he went to keep in touch with a woman he met on his travels... what should have been a fleeting romance turns into a bit of an obsession for him. This is probably due to how lonely he gets. I also noticed how he kept mentioning how apparently attractive and irresistible he was to most females he met - this was a bit cringey to read!

Fast forward to 2025, twenty seven years after he left home, and Karl is still not finished with his mission. I'm looking forward to reading book number two.

[Erika Kar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is half the story of this guy that planned to walk from the southern tip of Chile all the way back to his home in England. And by walking, he means walking - no boat, bike,bus (but swimming is ok).
The book is actually his diary entries from his trip. This is a great adventure book and I plan on reading the second part one day when he is finally finished.
I really liked the study of how people treated him, the harrowing portion of crossing the Darien Gap, and how he crossed the Bering Sea.

What made me dock a star was I got weary of all his stories of beautiful women everywhere he stopped and then his ongoing (long distance) romance with one of them. If he ends his journey without an STD or another child, that might be the biggest miracle of all.

I recommend this book to anyone that likes books such as Into Thin Air (or other subsequent Everest Tragedy books), Endurance, or Ada Blackjack.

[Rouleauville · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating read on several levels. On the surface it reads as a travelogue, an adventure. As Karl Bushby travels north through South and Central America ( and his often noted Darien Gap traverse) the book sails along. But somewhere along the route in Central and North America you see the evident cracks that appear in the author's demeanor. Life on the road for years, mostly by himself, is etching deeper into his psyche - sometimes making him doubt his resolve and definitely having an impact in his outlook to others he meets along the way.

A book of someone travelling on an adventure for merely a month or two would only provide local insight and anecdotes. Karl Bushby's record of his years on the road provides a lot deeper insight into how such a life can wear away at one's one being.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible man . What a journey. The book finished strangely. It’s a diary entry format with Karl sharing with us the reader his struggles etc ..
I just googled I need to get the 2007 version to complete the Bering strait .
The latter part of the book you feel Karl sadness at being apart from Catty the girl he falls for in Colombia.
Well done Karl you’re a legend .

[Adam Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic!

[Marc Ingram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story and achievement.

[Emily BG · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uhhhh... This is dumb

[Alex]

Read for work and because I'm a very professional man will not be giving it a rating. Thank you.

[Joanna Radoslavova · Rating 5 out of 5]

In absolute awe of what this man is doing. He better publish the rest of his journey, as we're left itching for more!

[Kathy P · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this after reading George Meegan's "The Longest Walk", which I felt was the better book. In part, that is because Meegan's walk feels like a bigger accomplishment: he walked through Latin America during the turbulent and dangerous late 1970s/early 1980s; he did not have Internet, satellite phones, etc. as Busby did.

Stil, this is a fun adventure, and Busby is more of an aggressive character than Meegan, so that makes for some entertaining encounters.

[Zak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you are a traveler or a wondering soul, this book will speak to you in volumes. The Goliath Expedition (Karl Bushby's walk around the World) is an awe-inspiring journey full of bumps in the road that anyone who lives off of the beaten path can relate to. I loved this book, and look forward to picking it up again in the (hopefully) near future.

[Chris Matcham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guy is incredible - rating is for the inspiration/amazement rather than the writing, but don't let this distract you from reading it. A must for anyone who wants to be a free spirit but doesn't know how

[Paul Mnich · Rating 4 out of 5]

My goodness - what an epic and remarkable undertaking! But did he complete and write about the global circumnavigation he set out to achieve - I’ve yet to discover - but if he did I’d like to read about it.

[Trista Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously awesome book. I'm not that big into travel lit, but this is a must-have for anyone who still believes in real adventure.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting book. A unique journey, definitely. I liked that the book was made up of diary entries. You get to know him personally very well, with all his flaws and strengths.