A magnetic head includes a coil, a main pole, a write shield, and a return path section. The return path section is located forward of the main pole in a direction of travel of a recording medium to thereby define a space. The coil includes a first coil element and second coil elements extending to pass through the space. The second coil elements are located forward of the first coil element in the direction of travel of the recording medium. The return path section includes a first portion located such that the first coil element is interposed between the first portion and the medium facing surface, and a second portion located such that the second coil elements are interposed between the second portion and the medium facing surface.