Building a Modern Munro Tracking Application: A Developer’s Journey

As an aspiring developer diving into a new side project, I’m eager to share my journey, seek feedback, and gather insights from the community. Having spent several years working in the web development space—primarily utilizing low-code and no-code platforms like Squarespace and Webflow—I’ve developed solid foundational skills in HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript, including crafting custom plugins. However, lately I’ve felt my growth has stagnated, and I’m motivated to push myself further by creating a project I genuinely care about.

Introducing the Project: A Modern Munro Tracker

Being an enthusiastic hill-walker from Scotland, I’ve always been fascinated by Munro bagging—climbing all the hills over 3,000 feet tall. Scotland boasts 282 of these Munros, and many enthusiasts keep track of their progress through various websites. Sadly, most of these existing platforms feel outdated and lack a sleek, modern user experience. Examples include munromap.co.uk and munrobagger.scot.

My goal is to develop a contemporary, premium single-page application that offers a more engaging and visually appealing experience. I plan to incorporate features such as social functionalities, allowing users to compare their Munro lists with friends and plan trips more collaboratively.

My Tech Stack and Approach

After researching best practices and considering my current skill set, here’s my proposed technology stack:

• Frontend: Next.js combined with Tailwind CSS for a responsive, SEO-friendly, and maintainable interface.
• Mapping: Mapbox GL for detailed and interactive geographic visualizations of Munros.
• Backend & Authentication: Supabase, providing an all-in-one backend solution with authentication, database, and real-time capabilities.
• Hosting & Deployment: Vercel, for streamlined deployment and scalable hosting.

Seeking Community Insight

This project represents a significant step up from my existing experience, and I recognize there will be plenty of learning along the way. I would love to hear from seasoned developers or anyone with experience in similar projects:

• Am I heading in the right direction with this stack?
• Are there any better approaches or tools I should consider?
• What challenges should I anticipate, and how can I best prepare for them?

Any advice, tips, or suggestions you can share would be immensely appreciated. Thanks in advance for your support and insights!

Embarking on a new development adventure is always exciting, especially when it combines