Short answer: Shaldon is flat along the waterfront and around the green, which makes the village itself easy. The Smugglers' Tunnel down to Ness Cove is a slope rather than steps, though the cove has no facilities and the beach is not a wheeled surface.
Along the water and around the green, Shaldon is level and compact. You can see the whole village without a hill, which is unusual on this coast and is the main reason it works for anyone with limited mobility. Distances are short enough that you are never committed.
The way down to Ness Cove is through a tunnel cut into the headland, and it is a slope rather than a flight of steps. That makes it more manageable than most Devon cove access, though it is a gradient and the surface is not smooth. The beach at the bottom is shingle and sand, which wheels do not cross.
Dogs are allowed all year, and there are no facilities on the beach — no toilets, no café, nothing. Factor that in before committing to the walk down, because coming back up is a climb.
The ferry from Teignmouth is the pleasant way in but involves a boat and a slipway, which may not suit. The road bridge is the alternative and is walkable. Parking in the village is limited and the lanes are narrow, so if you need to park close, come early.
The Ness itself, above the tunnel, has the best view in Shaldon. Getting up there is a climb. If that is not realistic, the waterfront looking across to Teignmouth is the consolation and it is a good one.
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