Reading are just one month away from beginning their first League One campaign for over 20 years.

Despite all the fear and uncertainty off the field, supporters always have the prospect of away days to look forward.

From trips to the capital to a trip to Cumbria, fans will experience it all over the next nine months.

Follow along in this latest series as we look at the 23 away days on offer.

In part one, we focus on the first seven from August until October.

 

AUGUST

Reading Chronicle:

Port Vale- Vale Park

The first away match of the season, Reading will be travelling to Burslem for the first time in 22 years.

Managed by former Royals coach Andy Crosby, it is not the most glamorous welcome to the third tier.

Drive time [at time of writing]: 3 hours, 6 minutes

Last Meeting: Port Vale 0-2 Reading; September 1, 2001

Recommended Away Pub: The White Horse

Reading Chronicle:

Exeter City- St James' Park

The second-best St James' Park in the country, this will be the first of two trips to Devon in 10 days, with the Grecians hosting the Royals in the EFL Trophy less than a fortnight after the league meeting.

A rarely-trodden path for modern supporters, it has been 30 years since Reading have had a league encounter with Exeter.

Drive time [at time of writing]: 2 hours, 39 minutes

Last Meeting: Exeter City 4-6 Reading; October 9, 1993

Recommended Away Pub: The Bowling Green

 

SEPTEMBER

Reading Chronicle:

Cambridge United- Abbey Stadium

The last time Reading played a league game in Cambridge, a certain Mr Dave Kitson scored for the U's.

20 years on and the man is much-loved by both sets of supporters.

Drive time [at time of writing]: 2 hours, 21 minutes

Last Meeting: Cambridge United 2-2 Reading; March 2, 2002

Recommended Away Pub: The Wrestlers

Reading Chronicle:

Blackpool- Bloomfield Road

A regular visit in recent years, it has not proved a happy hunting ground for Royals as it hits 22 years since a league win in the seaside town.

Drive time [at time of writing]: 4 hours, 20 minutes

Last Meeting: Blackpool 1-0 Reading; July 30, 2022

Recommended Away Pub: The Manchester

 

OCTOBER

Reading Chronicle:

Northampton Town- Sixfields

The latest in a long line of grounds not visited in the 2010s, the Cobblers won promotion from League Two last season and will be the first of the promoted sides to visit.

Drive time [at time of writing]: 1 hour, 47 minutes

Last Meeting: Northampton Town 0-2 Reading; November 3, 2001

Recommended Away Pub: Malt Shovel Tavern

Reading Chronicle:

Leyton Orient- Brisbane Road

The first London away day of the season, no doubt this Saturday afternoon in the capital will be a popular one.

League Two winners last season, a trip to face the O's has been 29 years in waiting.

Drive time [at time of writing]: 1 hour, 53 minutes

Last Meeting: Leyton Orient 1-1 Reading; January 15, 1994

Recommended Away Pub: Leyton Technical

Reading Chronicle:

Charlton Athletic- The Valley

A Premier League fixture 16 years ago, it is now being played in the third tier for the first time in over 40 years.

Always a popular matchday with a large away allocation and plenty of boozers, it will be another one fans have circled.

Drive time [at time of writing]: 2 hours, 4 minutes

Last Meeting: Charlton Athletic 0-1 Reading; July 11, 2020

Recommended Away Pub: Anchor and Hope