Apple Care+ Refusal to do a mail-in repair?

I asked to have my Apple Watch looked at and if required replaced and they have refused to do a mail-in option, forcing me to travel to a store (26miles away) when I don't drive?

Is this normal, as it feels like a way of avoiding dealing with a warranty issue?

Seems strange you purchase something online.. then you have to travel to a store for a warranty issue?

surely this can't be right?