They were almost 'within striking distance' of their goal. = Their goal was almost 'within striking distance'. [=they were close to achieving their goal]
He spotted the group 'at a distance of' one mile. [=he saw the group when they were one mile away from him]
('Brit') The book is better than the movie 'by some distance'. [=the book is much better than the movie]
(..) - Who are you? - Earl Jorgensen. From Sweden. We have come a long way to see you. But it is a short distance to meet the famous shield-maiden, Queen Lagertha, and the sons of Ragnar Lothbrok. Ragnar and I were simple farmers. (..)2017 TvShow: Vikings Title: The Great Army Season: 4 Episode 17