Low flying in the Chippy - set higher than normal power for extra speed, and trim a bit nose high so you have to hold the aeroplane down in level flight. The extra speed gives more control response and can, of course, be converted into height should the need arise. The back trim is your 'sneeze factor'; if you relax the push the aeroplane will climb away from terrain.
Shaggy: Spot on!
I used the same technique in 1980 when I used to fly a Chieftain. No AVGAS at home base meant a short positioning hop of 80nms for fuel after most trips. About 40nms was over desert. After leaving the airport zone, I would set the rad alt to its lowest alert height of 40ft and gradually descend until it sounded. Trimming for a slight required push felt comfortable and a cruise of about 160KIAS gave plenty of convertible energy. There was a low line of power cables about half way but apart from that the only obstacles were camels!