Thanks for the info guys. The fundamental issue is indeed that I have no idea about the strip until I can get low enough to have a good look at it and see if its OK to actually land. I am in agreement with others on here - do a precautionary inspection, adhering to the rules (but obviously below 500') and if it doesn't look good, then simply go around and not bother. Short of driving out there and doing a walking visual inspection of the field, I have no other choice. The field is just outside a village, so its fairly remote and clear of built up areas. As long as I contact the owner first, I see no problem then.
