An iterative navigation technique that eschews maps, plans and electronic devices and instead proceeds in the hope that each failed attempt will at least bring the traveller a little nearer to the destination. Characterised by scenic routes & late arrivals
A: Which way did you come?
B: I followed Mr Bump
Probably from the phrase Bump of location (hardly used these days), meaning an instinct for knowing where one is
Pa – 1970s?
Noel King – father of Naomi
There is probably no connection to the 6ᵗʰ Mr Men book of the same name (Roger Hargreaves 1971) since that character’s defining attribute is accident-proneness
comments
I followed Mr Bump recently, having made a wrong turn on my way into Worcester. Rumours of his demise have been greatly exaggerated.
—Felix Iliff, 10 Sep 2023