Paralympian Medallists Claire Cashmore and Dave Ellis Explore India with Rickshaw Travel

Paralympian medallists Claire Cashmore MBE and Dave Ellis MBE travelled with Rickshaw Travel on a trip to India, where the team handled every detail so they could focus on the journey itself rather than logistics. Travelling with a disability brings its own challenges, but with our team of specialists who arrange everything for you, every moment becomes part of the adventure. “Accessible tourism is about more than just physical access; it’s about feeling confident and supported,” Claire explains. “Travelling with a specialist like Rickshaw Travel, which has a deep understanding of the needs of disabled travellers, makes all the difference. From accessible transport to tailored experiences, their approach ensures that travellers like me don’t just visit a destination; we connect with it in a way that is comfortable and meaningful.”

 

Claire and Dave set off on a three-week journey from Delhi to Kerala, alongside the David, one of Rickshaw’s India specialists. “Rickshaw Travel made my dream of visiting India a reality. The team’s attention to detail and ability to cater to my needs meant I could experience all India has to offer without the stress,” Claire says. Dave adds, “Accessible travel isn’t just about infrastructure – it’s about feeling supported. Rickshaw Travel ensured I could enjoy India’s rich culture in a way that was comfortable and inclusive.”

Working with our India specialist David, they started in Delhi, weaving through busy streets where the smell of spices drifted from roadside stalls. In Jaipur, the pink sandstone walls of the City Palace caught the afternoon sun, and the ramps meant Claire could explore its courtyards without a hitch. Udaipur brought a quieter pace — calm lakes mirrored white-washed havelis as dusk settled in. Finally, in Kerala they swapped bustling cities for rolling hills and slow-moving backwaters, the perfect setting for morning runs and relaxed houseboat rides.

Fresh from the Paralympic Games—where Dave won gold and Claire took silver—the couple wanted a trip that felt celebratory and adventurous. “India was always at the top of our bucket list,” Claire recalls. Past trips to Vietnam and Sri Lanka exposed them to unexpected barriers, so they sought expert support this time. Rickshaw Travel’s local knowledge meant they could make the most of travelling in each region without worrying about any hiccups or last-minute arrangements.

On earlier travels, Claire often helped Dave navigate crowded streets, adding pressure to an already busy trip. Dave explains, “Generally when we go away Claire does help me with general navigation and getting around where I might struggle. It can sometimes be difficult, especially with all the pressure falling on Claire to see where we need to go. However, the way we did this trip was much easier.” Local guides are a true asset when travelling, not only did they handle every detail of the trip and navigated each route, but also shared their passion for the region and country, and built genuine connections with the couple.

For Dave, knowing that every aspect of the trip was organised around his needs made a world of difference. “This trip just made travel so much easier,” he says. “India is a great destination because the people are very helpful and friendly. When someone offers an arm or points out the next step, every street and monument becomes easier to explore.”

Claire found the journey deeply moving. “This trip has allowed me to grow both individually and as a couple. On an individual level, it gave me a lot of gratitude—for the country’s vibrant colours, the respect people have for family and their strong work ethic.” As a couple, they shared three weeks so full of laughter and adventure that Dave proposed on a rooftop bar overlooking Udaipur at sunset. “Not going to lie, I did wear the ring for the rest of the trip, so I had to make sure I hid it in all my photos,” Claire admits with a smile.

Fitness remained a priority even with a busy schedule. “We ran two to three times when we were in the south in Kerala,” Claire recalls. “We did a few hikes, swam in the pool and the sea at our final stop, and I even managed early morning yoga a few times!”

A new perspective on sporting goals

After seven intense years of training, including a mechanical failure in Tokyo, this journey offered a chance to reset. “It let us decompress, reassess and really regain that motivation for the next four-year cycle,” Claire explains. Dave adds, “You’ve always had to adapt and find ways around things. Maybe that’s the skill we need to tap into more when we travel in less accessible places.” Returning home with renewed energy, they’re ready to tackle new challenges both on and off the track.