The 1,200 km long
Heysen Trail has Bridgewater on the South Australia map. The
7.5km Mt Lofty to Bridgewater section is a popular walk among hikers as this section of the trail takes you through the pristine forest in the Mt Lofty range ending with cafes and amenities at both ends. You can take it easy by walking from Mt Lofty to Bridgewater one way or starting from Bridgewater to Mt Lofty for a challenging steep climb to the summit.
The Little Cog is run in a cosy cottage.
In 2019,
The Little Cog cafe has added another option for hikers and locals to replenish and recuperate in Bridgewater. It's located where the trail finishes/starts, next to the
Bridgewater Mill (you can't possibly miss the mill because of the gigantic wheel). That's exactly how I discovered this little gem for the coffee lovers.
Bridgewater is a popular begin/end point for Heysen Trail hikers.
A cog is an essential part of a wheel. The name has given some clues. The Little Cog is indeed run and owned by the adjacent Bridgewater Mill. The fresh food and treats are prepared by Bridgewater chefs, so, you can expect the same level of gourmet food at cafe price here. Try their pumpkin spice latte.
Roast pumpkin bun with labneh, rocket & pickled onion. Expect gourmet cafe food prepared by the Bridgewater Mill kitchen.
The olde worlde charm of this cosy cottage sent me back to 1800s when the settlers moved into the Hills area. It is a very small cottage with only a table or so inside. However, it stocks what you need after a walk or a hike: coffee, ice-cream, treats and light meals.
A table by the window inside the cosy cottage.
The Little Cog is part of the Bridgewater Mill.
There are tables outside or you can takeaway and enjoy their coffee and treats in the playground nearby.
Anything icy cold is the best treat after on a hot day.
The cafe opens daily from 8am for the morning walkers and closes at 4pm Monday to Thursday. The Little Cog closes at 7:30pm on Friday and 3pm on the weekend. Follow them on
Facebook for their fresh food alerts. The Little Cog is now serving the community street food on some special days and they seem to close a little later every now and then for the crowd. Say hello to The Little Cog next time you pass by.
Their opening hours have changed since I last visited.
