I would assume the child was well under 14.
My first day of Kindergarten, I insisted that I would walk home, and I did, it was well farther than a mile.
I walked over a mile each way to school on city streets when I was well under 14.
Anyone remember the Emergency Drills in the 60’s?
Students in Grades 1 through 6, who lived within 2 miles of school, were told to walk home and not dawdle, and take note of the time.
Of course parents were informed and most had mother’s waiting at home for them.
And then there’s my Grandpa...nicknamed “12 mile Johnny”....horse and cart, as I recall the telling.