Building a Modern Munro Tracking App: A Developer’s Journey into Skills Expansion
Introduction
As an aspiring web developer aiming to broaden my technical expertise, I’m embarking on a new side project inspired by my passion for hiking in Scotland. Over the years, I’ve gained experience with various web development platforms, primarily leveraging low/no-code tools like Squarespace and Webflow. Since I have a solid foundation in HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript, I’m eager to push my boundaries by creating a fully custom application that offers real value to fellow hill-walkers.
Project Inspiration
Living amid the scenic landscapes of Scotland, I’ve become fascinated by “Munro bagging” — the popular pursuit of summiting all 282 hills over 3,000 feet in elevation. While there are existing websites dedicated to tracking progress, many appear outdated or lack modern features. Websites like munromap.co.uk and munrobagger.scot offer basic functionalities, but I see an opportunity to develop a sleek, user-friendly, single-page application that enhances the experience with contemporary design and social features—allowing friends to compare progress, plan trips, and share insights.
Design and Technology Choices
To bring this vision to life, I’ve researched and selected a tech stack that balances modernity, scalability, and my current skill level:
- Frontend: Next.js combined with Tailwind CSS for responsive, SEO-friendly pages — I plan to optimize individual Munro info pages for search visibility.
- Mapping: Mapbox GL for interactive, detailed mapping capabilities that will showcase hill locations and user routes.
- Backend & Authentication: Supabase, providing a straightforward backend, user authentication, and database management.
- Hosting & Deployment: Vercel, which seamlessly integrates with Next.js and offers reliable deployment infrastructure.
Seeking Feedback and Advice
This project marks a significant escalation from my previous experience, and I recognize there will be plenty to learn along the way. My main questions are:
- Is this tech stack suitable for building such an application?
- Are there alternative tools or frameworks I should consider?
- Any recommended best practices for integrating mapping features with user accounts and social functionalities?
Closing Thoughts
I’m excited about the journey ahead and eager to develop a tool that combines my love for hiking with my growing web development skills. If you have insights, suggestions, or resources to share, I would be immensely grateful. Thanks for taking the time to read, and I look forward to any
