Why fly so low? Well maybe it's just as well to be prepared to have to fly low if you are limited to VFR. Even if you're higher, you'd want to know the procedure in case for any reason you had to fly lower.
I always call up Shawbury in any case, usually requesting a FIS. Quite a few people do, even when it's closed (calling "traffic" & stating their position & intentions - yeah, I know, not procedure but so many do it...). Helps to know where there are others around, 'specially with a VOR in the area (& attendant risk of converging traffic on the beacon).