Building a Modern Munro Tracking App: A Developer’s Journey
Embarking on a new side project can be both exciting and daunting, especially when venturing into unfamiliar territory. As an aspiring developer with several years of experience in web development—primarily leveraging low-code platforms like Squarespace and Webflow, and possessing solid skills in HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript—I’ve recently decided to challenge myself further by creating a personalized project that combines my passions and technical interests.
Understanding the Inspiration
Hailing from Scotland, I’m an avid hill-walker and enthusiast of ‘Munro Bagging’—the popular pursuit of climbing all the hills over 3,000 feet within the region. With 282 Munros dotted across the landscape, many enthusiasts keep meticulous records of their climbs. While existing websites such as munromap.co.uk and munrobagger.scot serve this community, they tend to feel somewhat outdated and lack modern features.
This has sparked my idea: to develop a sleek, user-friendly, single-page application (SPA) that offers a more premium experience and integrates social elements to foster community engagement. My goal is to enable users to compare their progress with friends, plan future trips, and access detailed information for each Munro, all through a beautifully designed interface.
Designing the Technical Approach
My research and planning led me to consider the following technology stack:
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Frontend: Next.js combined with Tailwind CSS for rapid development and SEO-friendly static pages, especially crucial for individual Munro info pages.
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Mapping: Mapbox GL, chosen for its robust mapping capabilities and customization options, essential for illustrating mountain topography and routes.
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Backend & Authentication: Supabase, an open-source Firebase alternative, which simplifies user management and database interactions.
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Hosting & Deployment: Vercel, known for seamless deployment with Next.js apps, providing an efficient cloud platform.
Seeking Validation and Advice
Given that this project marks a significant step up from my current experience, I am eager to confirm whether this tech stack aligns with best practices for such an application. I would appreciate any insights or suggestions from experienced developers who have undertaken similar projects or have expertise with these tools.
Is this a solid pathway towards building a modern, engaging Munro tracker? Are there any additional tools, frameworks, or architectures I should consider? Any pitfalls to watch out for?
Closing Thoughts
This journey represents both a learning opportunity and a chance to craft a tool that combines my
