It is more than twenty years since I was overtaken by the enthusiasm for hunter wellies, after I moved to a rural house in deepest Derbyshire.  Fashion was not the prime motivator  – oh, no.  The real reason was that I never knew when I was going to find I had to cross some muddy area as I travelled around the county.  The only places to buy hunter boots at that time were traditional country outfitters, and when I went there to buy hunter wellies they were very dismissive of my desire to buy a blue pair.  Now, of course, these are available in multiple colours and patterns.  The Oxford Cambridge boat teams were seen sporting some very bright pairs after their recent boat race.  I am not sure that Humter wellies are the best footwear for rowing, but they are great for wandering around the countryside.